Charles Denton, the former chief executive of The Body Shop who guided the company through its post-bankruptcy recovery, is spearheading a bid to revive the struggling health and beauty retailer Bodycare.
Bodycare, founded in Lancashire in the 1970s and known for its affordable range of make-up, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and toiletries from brands such as L’Oréal, Lynx, and Clarins, fell into administration in September. The collapse led to the closure of all 147 stores and the loss of around 1,400 jobs, with Interpath Advisory appointed to oversee the process.
Denton told The Times that his rescue plan aims to reopen 75 stores and rehire approximately 700 former employees. The move comes after his successful tenure at The Body Shop, where he was credited with stabilizing and rejuvenating the brand, helping it reconnect with customers worldwide. Denton previously served as CEO of British luxury fragrance and body care brand Molton Brown.
Bodycare’s decline followed its acquisition by investment firm Baaj Capital in 2022, as it struggled to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The retailer’s website has also ceased operations, displaying a message that reads: “Sorry, the shop you are looking [sic] is closed right now, please try again later.”
The challenges facing Bodycare reflect broader turbulence in the UK beauty retail landscape. In August, tween accessories and beauty retailer Claire’s entered administration in the UK and Ireland, underscoring the mounting pressure on high street beauty businesses in 2025.
