Bodycare to Close All UK Stores: 444 Job Losses Confirmed
Bodycare, the high street health and beauty retailer, is set to close all its remaining 56 UK stores by September 27, 2025, resulting in 444 job losses. This decision comes after administrators confirmed that a rescue deal is unlikely, marking the end of a significant era for the company, which has been a presence on British high streets for over 50 years.
The End of an Era for Bodycare
GR & MM Blackledge plc, trading as Bodycare, entered administration on September 5, 2025, managed by Interpath Advisory. Despite discussions with interested parties, no buyer has emerged for the store estate. With dwindling stock and mounting operational costs, the business has been deemed "no longer viable," according to a statement by joint administrator Interpath.
The closures will affect locations across the UK, including 17 stores in Scotland. Notable locations include Braehead, Dundee, Irvine, and Livingston. Staff affected by the closures will receive support in making claims to the Redundancy Payments Service.
Factors Leading to Bodycare's Collapse
Several factors contributed to Bodycare's downfall. Rising costs, a delayed transition to online retail, a shortfall in funding after a failed stock market listing, and reduced shopper spending all played a role. Retail analyst Jonathan De Mello pointed out that Bodycare's low-margin value proposition relied heavily on shopper volumes, which declined due to challenging locations and increased competition.
Other retail experts, such as Clive Black of Shore Capital and Catherine Shuttleworth of Savvy, highlighted the intense competition from rivals like Boots and Superdrug, as well as the growing presence of online sellers. This competitive landscape made it increasingly difficult for Bodycare to maintain its customer base and profit margins.
Administrators' Perspective and Future Prospects
Nick Holloway, managing director at Interpath, expressed gratitude to Bodycare’s staff for maintaining high standards of customer service. He stated that administrators will continue to explore options for the company’s assets, including the Bodycare brand, and will provide updates in due course.
The collapse of Bodycare follows similar troubles for other retailers, such as River Island, which announced store closures, and Poundland, which narrowly avoided administration. These events highlight the ongoing challenges facing traditional high street businesses in the current economic climate.
List of Closing Bodycare Stores
These are the locations of the 56 Bodycare stores that will close by Saturday, September 27, 2025:
- Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester
- Banbury, Oxfordshire
- Barnsley, South Yorkshire
- Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
- Bedford, Bedfordshire
- Blackburn, Lancashire
- Blackpool, Lancashire
- Braehead, Scotland
- Bridgnorth, Shropshire
- Burnley, Lancashire
- Bury, Greater Manchester
- Chorley, Lancashire
- Clitheroe, Lancashire
- Darlington, Co Durham
- Derby, Derbyshire
- Dundee, Scotland
- Halifax, West Yorkshire
- Hereford, Herefordshire
- Hinckley, Leicestershire
- Irvine, Scotland
- Keighley, West Yorkshire
- Kendal, Cumbria
- Kings Heath, West Midlands
- Lancaster, Lancashire
- Leeds, West Yorkshire
- Leicester, Leicestershire
- Leigh, Greater Manchester
- Liverpool, Merseyside
- Livingston, Scotland
- Luton, Bedfordshire
- Manchester, Greater Manchester
- Merry Hill, West Midlands
- Metrocentre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear
- Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
- Mold, Wales
- Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
- Nuneaton, Warwickshire
- Oldham, Greater Manchester
- Pontefract, West Yorkshire
- Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire
- Preston, Lancashire
- Rugby, Warwickshire
- Sheffield, South Yorkshire
- Solihull, West Midlands
- Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
- Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
- Swindon, Wiltshire
- Telford, Shropshire
- Thurrock, Essex
- Trowbridge, Wiltshire
- Wakefield, West Yorkshire
- Walthamstow, North East London
- Warrington, Cheshire
- Washington, Tyne and Wear
- Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
- Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Impact on the Retail Landscape
The closure of Bodycare’s stores is a significant blow to the UK high street, adding to the growing list of retail casualties. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, traditional businesses face increasing pressure to adapt to changing consumer habits and economic realities. The future of the Bodycare brand remains uncertain, but the company’s legacy as a high street staple will not be forgotten.
