Retail association expresses alarm over Bodycare collapse

A leading retailers association has expressed alarm at the complete collapse of Bodycare, as all remaining 56 stores close by this Saturday (September 27) with the loss of 444 jobs nationwide.

The health and beauty chain, which employed about 1,500 people across nearly 150 stores when it entered administration in early September, has been declared "no longer viable" by administrators.

All remaining 56 stores nationwide will close by this weekend.

Founded on a Lancashire market stall more than half a century ago, Bodycare specialised in fragrances, toiletries, cosmetics and skincare products.

Administrators cited a shortage of stock and "significant costs associated with operating stores" as making the business unviable, despite interest from "a number of parties" looking to buy the chain.

Andrew Goodacre (pictured), CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said: "This is just more bad news for the retail sector and our high streets. The reasons given for this retail chain failing are the increasing costs of running a high street business and cheap imports undermining our retailers.

"I fear the budget will present more bad news, as the rates proposal – an alleged transformation – will more than double the business rates payable for tens of thousands of medium-sized retailers. This complete collapse shows the devastating reality facing high street businesses across Britain."

Bira, which works with 6,000 retailers across the UK, champions independent traders across Britain and has been at the forefront of campaigning for high street support.

"Independent retailers desperately need support, not additional burdens," Mr Goodacre added. "The complete failure of Bodycare shows what happens when businesses face ever-increasing costs while competing against cheap imports that often enter the UK duty-free.

"The Chancellor must use this budget to provide real support for the independent retail sector. Business rates reform, action on the £5.9 billion low-value import loophole, and measures to boost consumer confidence are desperately needed."

The Bodycare closure follows Claire's recent administration putting 2,150 jobs at risk, while River Island and Hobbycraft have announced major restructuring plans. Bira's recent Heartbeat Survey revealed that 46% of independent retailers reported worse trading compared to last year.

"In the budget I am urging the Chancellor to change the rates proposal and remove the low-value imports duty-free loophole," Mr Goodacre concluded. "The alternative is many more business failures. Every week of delay means more jobs lost and more empty shops. The government must act decisively to support the backbone of our communities."