Big retailer with 149 sites shuts 3 stores & 2 more clearance sales launched as website closes amid administration fears

A HIGH street retailer with 149 shops has launched clearance sales at five stores and shut down its website amid administration fears.

Beauty and healthcare retailer Bodycare is expected to appoint administrators from Interpath advisory as soon as Friday, which could put more than 1,000 jobs at risk.

Bodycare has launched clearance sales at some stores amid fears of adminstarion[/caption]

The chain, which started as a market stall in Lancashire back in the 1970’s and is known for selling big brands like L’Oreal and Nivea, has faced problems since the pandemic.

It has been working with advisory firm Interpath and its owners, Baaj Capital, for months to secure a rescue deal, according to Sky News.

The appointment of administrators is likely to drive Interpath to step up efforts to secure buyers for parts of the business.

Once in place, administrators will take control of the company to determine whether it can be rescued, sold, or closed down completely.

In the wake of its troubles, a number of stores have launched clearance sales or closed completely.

Sites across Wrexham, Beverly, Morecamb and Yorkshire were cleared out earlier this week, according to local news reports.

Meanwhile a store in Swindon has launched a clearance sale as staff brace themselves for the worse.

Staff at the store told the Swindon Advertiser that if a new buyer isn’t found by Monday, September 8, the shop will close and staff will lose their jobs.

A similar process is being carried out in a Bodycare store in Rhyl.

Meanwhile, the Bodycare website has also shut down, with customers met with a message that reads: “Sorry the shop you are looking for is closed right now.

“Please try again later”.

Bodycare has over 149 sites across the UK and employs 1,500 people.

The company is run by retail veteran Tony Brown, formerly of BHS and Beales.

More high street woes

The news comes amid a challenging times for the high street, with major retailers such as River Island and New Look also facing closures and job cuts.

River Island will close up to 34 stores this January as part of a dramatic restructuring plan to help clear debts and keep the chain afloat.

Meanwhile, New Look is in talks with advisory group Rothschild to carry out a strategic review of the fashion chain which could result in a sale.

Poundland is also undergoing a major restructure after it was sold to Gordon Brother for just £1 in June.

It was saved from collapse last month after the High Court approved a restructuring plan days before the company was due to run out of money.

The rescue plan for the chain involves the closure of 68 stores, cutting 1,000 jobs, and shutting two warehouses, which will affect 350 workers.

Shoppers will also no longer be able to shop on the Poundland website from September 16, while the chain’s loyalty scheme is coming to an end on the same date.

Last month, Claire’s also collapsed into administration and stopped online orders for its customers.

Plus, H&M-owned fashion chain Monki closed the last of its high street stores in August.

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