Ethical beauty brand The Body Shop has returned to this country with a new franchise owner and a new store in Richmond, a town near Nelson in the South Island.
The New Zealand operation was caught in the financial troubles of the UK business and was put into liquidation in April with the closure of 16 shops and the loss of about 70 jobs. The Body Shop had three outlets in Christchurch – Westfield Riccarton, Northlands mall and a shop on High St in the central city – that closed.
The collapse and later sale of the UK business ended the financial lifeline for the New Zealand operation, and attempts to finalise a local sale did not succeed, resulting in its liquidation and liabilities of around $12 million, half of which was inter-company loans.
A new locally owned franchise, Version3, owned by Nelson based Pamela Bonira and Khan Wyman, has relaunched the brand with the shop and an online retail site.
Franchise general manager Wyman said there had been strong public demand and backing for the return of the brand.
“Our vision is simple: to provide high-quality ethical products while rebuilding strong relationships with our community.
“We expect organic growth in 2026 and beyond and plan for at least two more stores across the country in the coming years, guided by customer feedback and demand.”
The chair and chief executive of the revived UK Body Shop, Mike Jatania, said the re-entry to New Zealand was a step forward in growing the business.
“This launch will not only reconnect us with a passionate customer base but also contribute to the sustainable, long-term growth of our business.”
The Body Shop brand, founded by the late Anita Roddick, built its marketing on producing and retailing natural beauty products, emphasising environmental and ethical values.
