The Body Shop is set to close a further 75 UK stores in the next four to six weeks according to administrators - but the Taunton store will remain open.

This latest round of closures is set to result in the loss of 489 jobs.

Administrators from FRP Advisory said the latest closures will take place over the next four to six weeks as part of a heavy restructuring aimed at preserving the brand.

Joint administrator Tony Wright said: "In taking swift action to right-size The Body Shop UK store portfolio, we have stabilised the business and are providing the best opportunity for this iconic brand to have a long-term, sustainable future.

“The UK business continues to trade in administration, and we remain fully focused on exploring all options to take the business forward.”

The Body Shop falls into administration

This latest announcement comes after The Body Shop revealed earlier this month (February) it had fallen into administration putting more than 2,000 jobs at risk across 200 shops.

Last Tuesday (February 20), the retailer shut seven shops in its first phase of restructuring after confirming plans to close nearly half of its 198 UK outlets.

The Body Shop stores already closed in the UK

The seven Body Shop stores that closed on February 20 following the administration announcement are:

  • Surrey Quays (London)
  • Oxford Street Bond Street (London)
  • Canary Wharf (London)
  • Cheapside (London)
  • Nuneaton (Warwickshire)
  • Ashford Town Centre (Kent)
  • Bristol Queens Road (Bristol)

It is reported 116 Body Shop sites are set to remain open in the UK.

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The chain's remaining shops will continue to trade through stores and online during the administration process.

The Body Shop has confirmed the Taunton store is on the list of stores that will remain open.

The retailer was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon as one of the first companies to promote so-called ethical consumerism, focusing on ethically produced cosmetics and skincare products.

The recent administration announcement comes only weeks after new owners, European private equity firm Aurelius, took control of the business.