The Body Shop relocates head office in 'significant cultural reset'
The Body Shop has relocated its head office to Brighton, in a move that marks the beginning of a "significant cultural reset" for the brand under new ownership.
The new head office will be located by the University of Brighton at the Plus X Innovation hub, which is described as an "eco-system of innovative businesses with a combined mission to drive positive change in the world".
The Body Shop already occupies a self-contained office within the building, with plans to expand further and with the option to add more space as its workforce increases, bringing job opportunities to Brighton as a result.
The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, originally trading out of a small shop in Brighton and later scaling to over 1,900 stores, in 75 countries.
It entered administration in February, resulting in the closure of 82 stores and 489 job cuts across the UK.
However, the business was rescued from administration by a consortium led by British tycoon Mike Jatania last month, with the remaining stores to continue trading.
Most recently, The Body Shop's head office functions operated out of two separate locations in West Sussex and London, but will now be combined under one roof for the first time in decades.
Charles Denton, CEO of The Body Shop, said: "As we work to rebuild and reimagine the future of our brand, it’s essential we foster an innovative and collaborative culture to make this next stage in the journey possible.
"Returning to Brighton reinforces the values upon which we were built, it’s a city that celebrates diversity and creativity, oozing irreverence and new ways of thinking stimulated by a vibrant youth culture."
Siân Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion, where the new head office will be based, added: "The Body Shop was founded with values that align very closely with my own and that of our city.
"With Brighton's well-known reputation for caring deeply about animal rights and sustainability, The Body Shop returning to their hometown is a great fit."