Retail chain collapses and fans are convinced of the real reason

SHOPPERS are rushing to stock up on their favorites after a chain went bust.

It comes after iconic brand The Body Shop went bankrupt yesterday and fans are convinced they know the real reason.

1

Last week reports emerged that The Body Shop was about to appoint administrators and start the insolvency process.

Administrators have now said they will “consider all options” to find a way forward” for the much-loved chain.

Currently, The Body Shop continues to trade through its 200 stores and online.

This has led to hundreds of consumers eager to stock up on the chain's cosmetics and skincare items.

One wrote on social media: “I'm gutted because I'm using their products! I need to stock up!”

Another said: “Best stock on our favourites!”

A third commented, tagging her friend: “Best stock on the grapefruit hand cream Debs!!!”

A fourth posted: “I think it's a shame to buy all my skincare there. Not expensive at all for the quality of the products.

“Looks like I better stock up because I don't feel like paying the price for Boots.”

Others urged their family and friends to head to the nearest store and see if there is a sale in the coming weeks.

Elsewhere, fans are speculating about the cause of the chain's demise.

Most attribute the collapse to 'excessive' prices.

“It's sad but they've priced themselves out of the market,” said one.

Another wrote: “Surprised it took this long, I've been selling overpriced tat for decades.”

A third described the collapse as 'so sad', but said they had not been able to shop for a long time due to the costs.

They said: “It's really sad, I've been using Bodyshop since I was a teenager in the 90s but not so much in the last few years, it's become way too expensive.”

A fourth said: “Can't say I'm surprised. Great store but so expensive.”

While a fifth stated: “Very sad but not surprising, The Body Shop is outrageously expensive!”

However, some feel that the chain is not as expensive as others on the market.

One shopper wrote: “That's a shame – it's another loss for our high street and many people could/will lose their jobs…

“Maybe the products were a little expensive, but not nearly as expensive as some.”

Experts have also weighed in on what could have gone wrong for The Body Shop.

Dr. Amna Khan, senior lecturer in consumer behavior and retailing at Manchester Metropolitan University, told The Sun that the chain's sale to Loreal in 2017 could be a cause.

She said: “When Body Shop was sold to Loreal, many consumers felt that this was not in line with the company's original values ​​and ethical stance, causing many consumers to lose their original emotional connection and association with the brand. .”

However, the expert also suggested that over time, popular products such as White Musk had failed to entice consumers in the same way as other consumer-connected brands such as Lush.

Dr. Khan added: “Body Shop has failed to stay close to consumers and evolve with them.

“There must be a closer connection to the changing needs and lifestyles of consumers.

“They haven't innovated with their products to match consumers' sense of novelty, and the stores haven't innovated in terms of the in-store consumer experience.”

What will happen to The Body Shop now?

The administration process only affects The Body Shop's UK business, while international franchises are unaffected.

The chain bosses have not yet announced what will happen to all 199 stores and 2,000 employees.

The retailer was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon as one of the first companies to focus on ethically produced cosmetics and skin care products.

It comes just weeks after its new owners, European private equity firm Aurelius, took control of the company.

Aurelius, which specializes in buying and turning around troubled companies, completed a £207 million deal to buy The Body Shop from Brazilian cosmetics giant Natura & Co in November.

It was not until January 1 that it officially took control of operations.

The administration of the company's UK arm comes just weeks after it closed down the Body Shop at Home service in Britain and Australia after 30 years.

The Avon-style business allows individual advisors to sell products to customers from the comfort of their home.

Thousands of advisors currently use the Body Shop at Home service, but it will close permanently on February 23.

How has Britain's high street been affected recently?

The Body Shop, like many other retail chains, has experienced financial difficulties in a challenging environment for shoppers.

Physical stores have been hit hard as shopping behavior increasingly focuses on online retail.

Numerous major brands have ended up under government control in the past twelve months. including major discounter Wilko.

But it has since returned to the high street under The Range's ownership, and Wilko brand items are stocked in The Range stores.

Both M&Co and Joules are among the well-known brands that went bankrupt in 2022.

Paperchase then fell into administration at the end of January last year and all 106 stores later closed for good.

Elsewhere, The Sun has put together a handy guide to all the retailers closing their stores in February, including Boots and Costa.

Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.