05/05/2006

Profits increase at Body Shop

Although there were concerns that the environmentally friendly image of The Body Shop could have been dented by its sale to cosmetics giant L'Oreal, the retail chain has reported a rise in sales.

In the eight weeks to April 22 The Body Shop reported that sales had risen by just under 5% over last year's like-for-like figures.

L'Oreal had deferred announcing The Body Shop's results in February, but pre-tax profits looked healthy with a 5% rise to give £37.6 million.

The figures have dispelled fears that shoppers might turn away from the high profile retail chain founded by Dame Anita Roddick, following its takeover by L'Oreal. A key marketing strategy for The Body Shop was that it had never used animal testing of its cosmetic products and had an ethical business portfolio. Though L'Oreal, which is part-owned by Nestle, had stopped animal testing years ago, it still has product ranges that were originally tested on animals.

The Body Shop founder even had to go as far as denying that she had sold out to the enemy when she announced the takeover deal.

Based in Sussex, the Body Shop, which launched in 1976, has 2,000 stores in 54 countries around the world.

(SP/KMcA)

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