National retailer The Body Shop entered administration yesterday (13 February), affecting more than 200 of its stores across the country.

A number of shop closures are likely to follow, but it is unclear where these will be. The Body Shop has a local store in Stockport, based in Mersey Square.

The move comes following "an extended period of financial challenges" for The Body Shop.

Business advisory firm, FRP, has been appointed as the administrator and it has said it will "consider all options" to find a way forward for the business. 

A spokesperson said: "Taking this approach provides the stability, flexibility and security to find the best means of securing the future of The Body Shop and revitalizing this iconic British brand. The Joint Administrators will now consider all options to find a way forward for the business and will update creditors and employees in due course."

The Body Shop has 206 stores in the UK, including at Mersey Square, Stockport (Image - Nub News)

The spokesperson added: "The Body Shop remains guided by its ambition to be a modern, dynamic beauty brand, relevant to customers and able to compete for the long term. Creating a more nimble and financially stable UK business is an important step in achieving this.

"The Joint Administrators will continue to trade the business in administration, ensuring customers will be able to continue to shop in store and online for their favourite products.

"The Body Shop has faced an extended period of financial challenges under past owners, coinciding with a difficult trading environment for the wider retail sector. Having taken swift action in the last month, including closing down The Body Shop At Home and selling its business across most of Europe and in parts of Asia, focusing on the UK business is the next important step in The Body Shop's restructuring.

The Guardian described The Body Shop as an 'ethical trailblazer' - "a business [that follows] strict ethical guidelines and still made healthy profits".

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