Devastated Body Shop fans ‘feel numb’ over shock service closure in weeks
BODY Shop fans have shared their dismay after the retailer announced it is closing down a major service within weeks.
The health and beauty retailer told The Sun yesterday it will pull the plug on The Body Shop at Home after February 23.
It works much like Avon, which sells health and beauty products via door-to-door salespeople and brochures.
Shoppers will still be able to use the service up until February 23 while consultants can sell back any excess stock.
A Body Shop spokesperson told The Sun it had made the decision to wind down the service after carrying out a full review in 2023.
They said: “This is in no way a reflection of our committed consultants, who have been valued members of our community for 30 years, and we are supporting them during this time.”
They added consultants using the at Home service could try its new Ambassador Programme, which lets consultants earn commission for selling to a customer base online.
But the news the at Home service will close for good has still left fans devastated and “in shock”, with some sharing major concerns over their future income.
One said: “Feeling a bit numb. Almost six years pouring my heart and soul into my team and business has come to an end.
“As you can imagine many of us are losing full time incomes and it’s very scary, thinking of you all at this time.”
A second said: “I’m a bit shocked and definitely sad, as I’m sure some of you will be too.
“I have been a consultant with The Body Shop At Home for near on four years now.
“I am grateful to have been supported in earning an income in a way that works for me.”
A third simply said: “Well I never expected this in 2024,” while a fourth added: “I am devastated as I love doing this job.
“I can however, still sell their products, but not to the same extent that we all did before.”
It comes after Natura and Co, which owns The Body Shop, sold the retailer to private equity group Aurelius in November last year.
At the time of the announcement, it said it was looking to shift its focus away from the UK market and towards South America.
Fabio Barbosa, chief executive officer of Natura and Co, added: “We extend our sincerest thanks to all The Body Shop’s associates, who contributed immensely to broadening Natura &Co’s horizons.
“We wish them continued success under the stewardship of Aurelius.”
In other news, an online marketplace loved by second-hand resellers closed just months ago, leaving fans “absolutely livid”.
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