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High street favourite to open 6 new stores just after crashing into administration
Reach Daily Express | April 10, 2026 7:40 PM CST

Discount health and beauty retailer Bodycare is making its big return to physical retail announcing plans to open six new high street stores just months after collapsing into administration. The retailer, which shut all 147 of its shops in 2025, has now secured leases at key shopping destinations across the UK. The new locations are at Merry Hill in Dudley, Derbion in Derby, The Moor in Sheffield, Highcross in Leicester, The Mall in Blackburn and St Johns in Leeds marking the brand's first bricks-and-mortar presence since its rescue.

Founded in 1970, Bodycare began as a small British retailer focused on affordable toiletries and everyday beauty essentials. Over the following decades, it grew steadily into a familiar high street name building a reputation for low prices and a wide range of branded health and beauty products.

However, like many retailers, Bodycare faced increasing challenges in recent years. Rising operating costs, shifting consumer habits and the continued growth of online shopping put pressure on its store estate. These difficulties ultimately led to the business entering administration in 2025 resulting in the closure of all its outlets.

Bodycare was acquired out of administration in October 2025 by an investor group led by former CEO of Molton Brown and The Body Shop, Charles Denton.

Bodycare is introducing a brand new concept to its new stores. According to Newmark which is acting as sole adviser the new stores will open under a new 'Bodycare Studio' format. This new format will feature in-store demonstration zones, feature screens, live broadcast studios and dedicated creator spaces.

The six sites were chosen based on their strong historical performance prior to the company's collapse. The business is targeting a further 19 store openings before the end of 2026, with a long-term goal of establishing more than 200 locations nationwide.

David Stern, managing director at Bodycare, said: "Since the acquisition of Bodycare, the team has reimagined both the in-store experience and the brand's digital presence.

"The response from the industry to date has reinforced our confidence to scale quickly and we are looking forward to welcoming customers back as soon as possible. Newmark has been instrumental in supporting us in our ambitious vision."

David Purslow, executive managing director at Newmark, said: "Bodycare is executing a compelling retail strategy - moving at pace but with clear direction and a disciplined approach which sets it up for success.

"Our priority is to ensure the property strategy underpins the brand's momentum as it scales nationally."


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