Following concerns about the future of The Body Shop following its February administration, the store manager of the Truro branch is keen to reassure customers of its future.
The store, which was caught in the uncertainty surrounding the company's financial difficulties in February of this year, has now been acquired by an independent group and is officially out of administration.
Store manager Melissa Retallick told the Packet that a significant number of customers have been visiting the shop under the mistaken belief that it had closed.
"We’re having so many customers come in on a weekly basis thinking we had closed down," she said.
She emphasised that the Cornwall store was not affected by the closure of 85 other branches earlier this year, which resulted in job losses across the country.
"We just want to share the good news that there's not another store closure in Truro city centre, and we're here to stay," she added.
The Body Shop company as a whole is now under new ownership, and has been acquired by British cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania and his investment company, Aurea. Aurea described the deal as its "largest transaction to date."
The acquisition brings former Molton Brown CEO Charles Denton on board as the new chief executive.
Mike shared his excitement about acquiring "a truly iconic brand" with a dedicated customer base.
He outlined plans to invest in product innovation and enhance customer experience across all sales channels while remaining true to the brand's ethical and activist values.
Denton added that he is committed to revitalising the business and restoring its independent spirit. "We believe there’s a sustainable future ahead," he said, "and working closely with the management team we aim to restore The Body Shop’s unique, values-driven, independent spirit."
The Body Shop itself released a statement thanking customers for their support during a challenging period and promising to repay that loyalty with exciting new products and improved experiences.
The company stressed its commitment to its future. It stated: "From our iconic products to innovations not yet imagined, we’re not going to waste a second getting back to our best."
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