The high street beauty retailer Bodycare has confirmed it will permanently close all of its 56 remaining stores across the United Kingdom this week, a decision that will result in 444 job losses. The company's Liverpool store, located in Clayton Square, is among the locations set for closure.
Administrators from Interpath, who were appointed on September 5, stated that a combination of stock shortages and the high operational costs of physical stores made the business no longer viable. The closures follow an earlier announcement this month where 30 of the company's shops were shut down.
Key Takeaways
- All 56 remaining Bodycare stores in the UK will close permanently this week.
- The closures will result in the redundancy of all 444 remaining staff members.
- Liverpool's Clayton Square store is confirmed to be one of the locations closing.
- Administrators cite stock shortages and the high cost of high street retail as primary reasons for the collapse.
Nationwide Shutdown Confirmed by Administrators
The final chapter for the long-standing beauty chain has been written, as administrators confirmed the closure of the entire Bodycare retail estate. The company, which has been a fixture on UK high streets for over 50 years, entered administration earlier in September due to significant financial pressures.
Initially, 30 stores were closed, but it has now been determined that the remaining 56 shops cannot continue trading. This move will lead to a total of 444 employees being made redundant across the country. The closures are scheduled to be completed by the end of this week, with final trading days varying by location.
Bodycare by the Numbers
- Founded: 1970 in Lancashire
- Total Stores Closing: 56
- Total Redundancies: 444
- Administration Date: September 5, 2025
The Financial Pressures Behind the Collapse
According to the administrators at Interpath, Bodycare faced a cascade of financial challenges that ultimately made its business model unsustainable. A critical shortfall in funding, exacerbated by an aborted plan to list on the stock market last year, severely hampered its operations.
This funding gap had a direct impact on relationships with suppliers, leading to persistent stock shortages on store shelves. Compounded by the ever-increasing costs associated with running physical high street stores, from rent to utilities, the company's financial position became untenable.
A Challenging High Street Environment
Bodycare's collapse is indicative of a broader trend affecting the UK retail sector. Many traditional brick-and-mortar stores are struggling to compete with the rise of online shopping, coupled with decreased footfall in town centres and escalating operational costs. The company also reportedly faced delays in transitioning its own online retail platform, further limiting its ability to adapt to changing consumer habits.
Company History
Founded in Lancashire in 1970, Bodycare became known for offering a wide range of affordable beauty products, fragrances, and bathroom essentials. For decades, it served as a staple for shoppers looking for value on health and beauty items, establishing a presence in numerous towns and cities across the UK.
Impact on Liverpool's Clayton Square
In Liverpool, the Bodycare store in Clayton Square is preparing for its final days of trading. The shop has been a familiar presence for local shoppers, offering a range of discounted beauty and personal care items. In preparation for the permanent closure this weekend, the store is holding an "everything must go" sale.
Posters have appeared in the windows of the Liverpool branch, advertising the closing down sale to clear remaining stock. The closure represents another loss for the city centre's retail landscape and will leave a vacant unit in the prominent Clayton Square shopping centre.
Administrator's Statement on Staff and Future
Nick Holloway, a managing director at Interpath and one of the joint administrators, commented on the difficult situation and praised the company's employees for their conduct during the administration process.
"We understand this has been a difficult period and so we want to further express our sincere thanks to Bodycare's staff who, since day one of the administration, have maintained the strong standards of presentation and customer service that Bodycare was renowned for."
Holloway also noted that efforts will continue to find value in the company's remaining assets, which could include the Bodycare brand itself. He confirmed that further updates would be provided as the administration process continues.
"We will continue to explore options for the company's assets, including the Bodycare brand, and will provide further updates in due course," he added.
Full List of Closing Bodycare Stores
The following 56 stores, including the Liverpool location, are scheduled to close by Saturday, September 27:
- Ashton-Under-Lyne
- Banbury
- Barnsley
- Barrow
- Bedford
- Blackburn
- Blackpool
- Braehead
- Bridgnorth
- Burnley
- Bury
- Chorley
- Clitheroe
- Darlington
- Derby
- Dundee
- Halifax
- Hereford
- Hinckley
- Irvine
- Keighley
- Kendal
- Kings Heath
- Lancaster
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Leigh
- Liverpool
- Livingston
- Luton
- Manchester
- Merry Hill
- Metro Centre
- Middlesborough
- Mold
- Newcastle
- Nuneaton
- Oldham
- Pontefract
- Poulton
- Preston
- Rugby
- Sheffield
- Solihull
- Sunderland
- Sutton Coldfield
- Swindon
- Telford
- Thurrock
- Trowbridge
- Wakefield
- Walthamstow
- Warrington
- Washington
- Wellingborough
- Wolverhampton