All remaining Bodycare stores are set to close, resulting in the loss of 444 jobs, after administrators failed to find a buyer for the struggling health and beauty chain. The company, which entered administration earlier this month, was deemed “no longer viable to continue” trading due to stock shortages and the high costs of operating its stores.
The chain’s remaining 56 outlets are scheduled to shut permanently by Saturday. Administrators confirmed they had been in discussions with several parties interested in the business, including the Bodycare brand, but a sale of the stores now appears unlikely. Nick Holloway, joint administrator and managing director at Interpath, said they would continue to explore options for the company’s assets and provide further updates in due course.
Since its collapse on 5 September, more than 1,000 jobs have already been lost. Founded in Lancashire in 1970, Bodycare became known for its bright, warehouse-style stores, featuring displays of toiletries, cosmetics, perfumes, and household products.
Industry experts point to rising competition and changing consumer habits as key factors in the chain’s downfall. Catherine Shuttleworth, chief executive of marketing agency Savvy, noted that Bodycare faced “extremely strong competition” from Boots, Superdrug, supermarkets, and a growing number of online sellers. Retail analyst Jonathan De Mello added that the brand’s low-margin, high-volume model struggled as footfall declined, particularly in weaker trading locations. Clive Black, vice chair of Shore Capital, cited management challenges in responding to an evolving market and rising costs.
