PHOTO: The Body Shop NZ
The Body Shop NZ has begun closing some of its stores today following the retailer’s recent entry into voluntary administration. The skincare, hair, and makeup company informed customers via email that its stores in St Lukes, Queen St, Queensgate, Porirua, Richmond, and Northland would permanently close today.
Meanwhile, stores in Bayfair, Palmerston North, Hamilton, Cuba St, and Albany are set to close on Sunday. However, locations in Riccarton (Christchurch), Sylvia Park (Auckland), Lambton Quay (Wellington), Nelson, and Napier will remain open “for the time being.”
“We want to sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support throughout the years. It has been our pleasure to serve each local community, and we are grateful for the relationships we’ve built with customers like you,” read the heartfelt email to customers.
The company, which operated 16 stores across the country, revealed last Wednesday that it had entered voluntary administration and would close its doors. Daniel Stoneman and Neale Jackson of financial advisory firm Calibre Partners were appointed as administrators to oversee the wind down. Stoneman explained that The Body Shop NZ’s UK parent company was placed into administration in February 2024.
“Following this, the assets of The Body Shop International were largely sold by the administrators in September 2024,” Stoneman added. However, the sale excluded The Body Shop’s New Zealand business, and a buyer is yet to be found, leading to the appointment of administrators.
Stoneman emphasized that they are working closely with the management team to develop a strategy to sell all stock and begin winding down the business.
SOURCE: 1NEWS