Anyone who’s searched for “The Body Shop near me” in the last year has probably noticed something odd—stores that were once easy to find have vanished, but the brand hasn’t disappeared entirely. The Body Shop, founded in 1976 in Brighton, UK, underwent massive restructuring after its 2024 acquisition, shuttering hundreds of locations while simultaneously planning a return to the US market in 2025 (Time Out UK). This guide breaks down exactly which stores are open, where you can still shop online, and what alternatives exist for loyal customers.
Founded: 1976 in Brighton, UK · Global stores at peak: ~3,000 · US re-entry announced: 2025 · Ireland presence status: Online delivery only (2025) · Best-selling product line: Body Butters · Cruelty-free certification: Leaping Bunny approved
Quick snapshot
- No physical stores remain in Ireland (Time Out UK)
- US stores closed March 2024; re-entry planned 2025 (WSB-TV)
- UK remaining ~116 stores post-restructuring (The Retail Bulletin)
- Canada: 33 stores closing; online shop down (Style Democracy)
- Exact number of new US flagship stores confirmed (WSB-TV)
- Long-term viability of remaining UK locations unknown (The Retail Bulletin)
- Whether Canada online shopping will resume (Style Democracy)
- 1976: Founded in Brighton, UK (no confirmed source) (WSB-TV)
- 2023: Acquired by Aurelius Group (no confirmed source) (WSB-TV)
- Feb 2024: UK administration; 7 stores closed immediately (Time Out UK)
- Mar 2024: US all stores closed + Canada files NOI (WSB-TV)
- US re-entry: 2025, Vancouver flagship leads (WSB-TV)
- Ireland: delivery only via thebodyshop.com
- UK: remaining ~116 stores operate while restructuring continues (The Retail Bulletin)
Six key facts paint the picture of a brand in transformation: from peak global presence to strategic retreat—and now a targeted comeback.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent company (2024) | Aurelius Group (The Retail Bulletin) |
| Store peak count | ~3,000 worldwide |
| UK stores post-restructuring | Reduced to ~100 (Time Out UK) |
| US presence | Re-entering in 2025 (Vancouver flagship) (WSB-TV) |
| Ireland delivery | Yes, via thebodyshop.com |
| Cruelty-free certification | Leaping Bunny |
The Body Shop is not gone—but it’s no longer the store-around-the-corner brand it once was. For anyone in Ireland or the US, the primary path to purchase has shifted entirely online, or requires waiting for the 2025 brick-and-mortar re-launch.
Is the Body Shop gone from Ireland?
Yes—The Body Shop no longer has physical stores in Ireland. The brand exited Irish physical retail entirely during the 2024 restructuring led by Aurelius Group and FRP Advisory (Time Out UK).
Does the Body Shop deliver to Ireland now?
Yes. The official Body Shop website ships to Ireland, so you can order Body Butters, shampoos, and skincare directly (The Retail Bulletin).
- Online delivery is active via thebodyshop.com
- Shipping times and costs vary; free shipping thresholds apply
What happened to Body Shop stores in Ireland?
All Irish brick-and-mortar locations were closed as part of a wave of closures affecting dozens of UK and Ireland sites after the 2024 administration (Time Out UK).
The implication: Irish customers lost the ability to test fragrances or get in-store advice, but the full product line remains available via e-commerce.
Did the Body Shop store close?
Hundreds of stores across multiple markets closed in 2024. But the brand survives—online and in ~116 UK locations (The Retail Bulletin).
Why did the Body Shop close many stores globally?
The closures followed Aurelius Group’s acquisition in 2023 and the subsequent administration filing in the UK in February 2024. FRP Advisory oversaw the restructuring, which included shutting 75 UK stores and eliminating 489 to 800 roles (The Retail Bulletin).
- UK: initial 7 stores closed Feb 20, 2024 (Time Out UK)
- Additional 75 UK closures soon after (The Retail Bulletin)
- Canada: 33 of 105 stores closed, online shop down (Style Democracy)
- US: all locations closed by March 1, 2024 (WSB-TV)
Which Body Shop stores are still open?
Around 116 UK stores remain operational as of early 2025. Canada still runs about 72 stores, though 33 are in liquidation sales (The Retail Bulletin; Style Democracy).
The catch: the remaining stores are concentrated in larger cities and shopping centers, so availability varies sharply by region.
Is the Body Shop coming back to the US?
Yes—after closing all US stores in March 2024, The Body Shop announced a brick-and-mortar re-entry in 2025 (WSB-TV).
The Body Shop is breaking back into the US market with a targeted flagship strategy.
— Cosmetics Business
When will the Body Shop return to the US market?
The 2025 launch is in early stages. A Vancouver, Canada flagship reopening is part of the North American expansion plan (WSB-TV).
The Body Shop returns to the US market with a curated retail approach.
— Yahoo Finance
Where will the new US stores open?
Specific US locations have not been finalized, but the strategy appears to start with flagship stores rather than a broad rollout (WSB-TV).
US customers face a gap period where no physical stores exist. For loyalists, the only option until late 2025 is Canadian online shopping—if it resumes—or third-party retailers.
The pattern for North American customers: wait-and-see. The brand is betting on a curated return rather than a mass market re-launch.
What are the Body Shop’s best-selling products?
Even amid closures, certain product lines remain customer favorites with consistently high ratings.
Which Body Shop shampoo is best?
The Ginger Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is a top-rated hair care item, particularly for sensitive scalps. It’s part of the brand’s broader hair care line that includes Banana and Rainforest ranges (Time Out UK).
- Ginger Shampoo: best for dandruff-prone hair
- Banana Shampoo: popular for nourishing dry hair
What are the most popular skincare items?
Body Butters are the brand’s signature best-seller. The Shea, Moringa, and Strawberry varieties consistently top sales charts globally (Time Out UK).
The takeaway: if you’re looking for a single product to try, start with the Body Butter range—it’s the item that built the brand’s reputation.
What are alternatives to the Body Shop?
If your search for “The Body Shop near me” comes up empty, several cruelty-free and natural brands offer similar products.
Which brands compete with the Body Shop?
- Lush — handmade cosmetics with strong ethics, strong UK/Canada presence
- Ethique — solid shampoo bars and skincare, zero-waste focus
- The Organic Pharmacy — high-end natural skincare
- 10,000 Things — natural skincare from New Zealand
Are there cruelty-free alternatives?
Yes. All the above brands are Leaping Bunny certified or similarly cruelty-free. Lush, Ethique, and The Organic Pharmacy match The Body Shop’s animal-testing-free commitment (Time Out UK).
The trade-off: Lush stores are widely available in UK and US cities, while Ethique is primarily online—mirroring the very shift Body Shop customers are navigating.
Timeline
- 1976: The Body Shop founded in Brighton, UK
- 2023: Acquired by Aurelius Group
- Feb 2024: UK administration; 7 stores close immediately (Time Out UK)
- Feb–Mar 2024: Additional 75 UK stores close; Canada files NOI; US stores all close (The Retail Bulletin; WSB-TV)
- 2025: US re-entry announced; Vancouver flagship reopening (WSB-TV)
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to find a Body Shop near me?
Use the store locator on thebodyshop.com. As of 2025, most open locations are in the UK (~116 stores) and Canada (~72 stores). No US or Ireland physical stores exist currently.
Does the Body Shop offer free shipping to Ireland?
Shipping to Ireland is available via thebodyshop.com. Free shipping thresholds vary; check the website for current promotions.
Are all Body Shop products cruelty-free?
Yes. The Body Shop is Leaping Bunny certified and does not test on animals. Their entire range is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free (The Retail Bulletin).
How do I know if my local Body Shop is closing?
Check the store locator on the official website. If your local store is not listed, it has likely closed as part of the 2024 restructuring. Delivery to your area may still be active.
Can I order Body Shop products online in the US now?
Currently, US customers cannot order directly from the US site (which shut down in March 2024). Canadian online shopping was suspended during restructuring. The 2025 re-entry is expected to restore online ordering.
What are the top-rated Body Shop body butters?
Shea Body Butter, Moringa Body Butter, and Strawberry Body Butter are consistently top sellers (Time Out UK).
Is the Body Shop coming back to other countries besides the US?
The most concrete expansion plans are for the US market (2025). Canada is reopening its Vancouver flagship. No announcements for Ireland, Australia, or other markets have been confirmed.
For shoppers in Ireland and the US, the choice is becoming stark: shift to online ordering from the official website or a cruelty-free competitor like Lush or Ethique, or wait for the brand’s planned brick-and-mortar re-entry in 2025. The convenience of a nearby store may return within the year, but the global footprint of The Body Shop has permanently shrunk.
For other store locator guides in the UK, see our Moss Bros Near Me and Sports Shop Near Me pages.
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Joseph Lang is Managing Editor at UKBullet.uk, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.