Cosmetics chain The Body Shop has hired administrators, potentially placing a number of east London stores at risk.
The company has appointed administrators after "an extended period of financial challenges" and a "difficult trading environment," it was announced yesterday (February 13).
The retailer, which runs more than 200 shops UK-wide, appointed insolvency experts from FRP Advisory to oversee the process.
It has already sold its business across most of Europe and parts of Asia, and the company sees addressing UK business as its next step.
The east London stores which could be at risk of closure are:
- South Street, Romford
- The Exchange Shopping Centre, Ilford
- Stratford City, Westfield
- Selbourne Walk, Walthamstow
- Unit 10 Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf
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In-store and online trade will continue during the administration process.
The retailer, founded by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon in 1976, was taken over on January 1 this year by private equity firm Aurelius.
It employed around 10,000 people worldwide at the time of the takeover.
Additional reporting by PA.
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