The Body Shop at Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough is among the 75 stores set to close, the chain’s administrators revealed today (Thursday).  

It was announced last week that seven stores would close initially as a part of a first phase of restructuring, four of which were in London.  

This latest update on the next 75 store closures within the next six weeks is said to affect 489 jobs across the country.  

The high street skincare and cosmetics chain went into administration earlier this month. 

Administrators from FRP Advisory said the latest closures will take place over the next four to six weeks as it continues a heavy restructuring aimed at preserving the brand. 

The retailer had previously confirmed plans to close nearly half of its then-198 UK outlets.

Today's announcement means 116 stores will remain across the UK. 

Administrators said the closures will bring its store estate in line with industry rivals and will support “a return to financial stability”. 

Tony Wright, joint administrator, said: “In taking swift action to right-size The Body Shop UK store portfolio, we have stabilised the business and are providing the best opportunity for this iconic brand to have a long-term, sustainable future. 

“The UK business continues to trade in administration, and we remain fully focused on exploring all options to take the business forward.” 

The insolvency specialists stressed they will support all affected staff with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service. 

The business had employed around 1,500 store workers before the administration. 

It was announced last week around 270 head office jobs would be cut, leaving around 400 workers at The Body Shop’s London headquarters. 

It hired administrators, who will assess offers for the brand and its assets, after years of financial struggles and amid a challenging backdrop for shoppers. 

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon as one of the first companies to promote so-called ethical consumerism, focusing on ethically produced cosmetics and skincare products.