Bodycare names Charles Denton CEO as revival gathers pace

Bodycare has appointed Charles Denton as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, formalising his leadership of the value beauty retailer as it pushes ahead with its UK expansion.

Denton led the investor group that acquired Bodycare’s brand and intellectual property after the business entered administration in September 2024, resulting in the closure of all 147 stores.

He is also the former Chief Executive of Molton Brown and previously led turnaround efforts at The Body Shop, returning the British brand to profitability within 100 days of entering administration.

The appointment comes as Bodycare advances its relaunch plan, targeting 25 new stores in 2026, 50 by the end of 2027 and 200 locations over five years. The first wave of openings, across sites in Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Derby and other locations, is already under way.

Bodycare said Denton’s responsibilities will span five areas:

• Nationwide rollout of its new-generation Studio Stores
• Hyper-local community engagement
• Strategic partnerships with consumer brands
• International expansion through franchise partnerships
• Oversight of an AI platform designed to support merchandising, inventory, customer engagement and operational decision-making.

"Our ambition is to build a business around that smart customer. We’re creating stores that are destinations - places where people can discover exciting products, learn from experts, engage with their local community and enjoy an experience that goes far beyond simply buying health and beauty products," said Denton.

"Retail is changing rapidly, and while technology will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role, we firmly believe the future belongs to businesses that successfully combine innovation with genuine human connection."

Denton will work alongside Managing Director David Stern, who has led relaunch planning since the acquisition.

Stern said: "Charles shares our belief that Bodycare can become something far bigger than a traditional retailer. His experience of building brands, transforming businesses and creating long-term strategic value makes him the ideal person to help us lead Bodycare into its next chapter."

Founded in Lancashire in 1970, Bodycare operated as a familiar presence on UK high streets for more than five decades before its collapse. The relaunch combines that heritage with a repositioned offer built around value, discovery and digital engagement as the company works to rebuild its store estate nationally.