Bodycare to return to the high street

The discount toiletries and cosmetics retailer is to open six stores across the country, including one in Leeds and one in Sheffield, after collapsing into administration last October.

Newmark has advised Bodycare on its high street return, which will see the retailer open stores in Merry Hill in Dudley, Derbion in Derby, The Moor in Sheffield, Highcross in Leicester, The Mall in Blackburn, and St Johns in Leeds.

The reopenings are the first since the brand was bought out of administration by an investor group led by former Body Shop chief executive Charles Denton.

An additional 19 stores are planned to open by the end of 2026, with the longer-term ambition for over 200 stores nationwide, according to Newmark. All 147 Bodycare stores closed down last year.

David Stern, managing director at Bodycare, said: “Since the acquisition of Bodycare, the team has reimagined both the in-store experience and the brand’s digital presence.

“The response from the industry to date has reinforced our confidence to scale quickly and we are looking forward to welcoming customers back as soon as possible. Newmark has been instrumental in supporting us in our ambitious vision.”

David Purslow, executive managing director at Newmark, said: “Bodycare is executing a compelling retail strategy – moving at pace but with clear direction and a disciplined approach which sets it up for success.

“Our priority is to ensure the property strategy underpins the brand’s momentum as it scales nationally.”