The Body Shop to relocate head office to Brighton in ‘significant culture reset’

The retailer said its head office functions have operated out of two separate locations in Littlehampton, West Sussex and London, but will be combined under one roof for the first time in decades as it returns to Brighton where it opened its first store in 1976.

The new head office will be located near the University of Brighton at the Plus X Innovation hub, which is a sustainably built, fully accessible workspace.

This comes after The Body Shop’s chief executive Charles Denton said the brand is on its way back “market by market” as it rebuilds franchises in Spain and Portugal after a string of international closures.

The chain currently has 72 stores on the Iberian peninsula, 48 in Spain and 24 in neighbouring countries, as well as a distribution network across mainland Europe.

Denton also 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.”

Peter Kyle, MP for neighbouring Hove and Portslade, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, and former employee of The Body Shop under the late Anita Roddick, said: “I’m thrilled The Body Shop has chosen Brighton as the new location for its head office. I began my career at this iconic brand, and many will have heard me speak about the professional and personal growth I achieved here.

“I can’t wait to witness this next stage in The Body Shop’s journey and the positive impact and jobs this innovative global retailer will bring to the local area and communities.”