Cosmetics chain The Body Shop is set to close almost half of its 198 UK shops and cut around 270 head office jobs after falling into administration last week.
This heavy restructuring leaves approximately 400 workers at its London headquarters. The closures and job cuts are part of a move to re-energise the brand and return it to profitability.
Approximately 1,500 workers were employed across its UK shops, with hundreds of these workers expected to face redundancy as a result of the proposed closures.
Administrators for the business confirmed the closure of its seven shops: at Surrey Quays London, Oxford Street London, Canary Wharf London, Cheapside London, Nuneaton, Ashford town centre Kent and Queens Road Bristol, with more to follow.
The company, founded in 1976, has faced financial struggles in recent years.
The overhaul comes shortly after European private equity firm Aurelius acquired The Body Shop from Brazilian cosmetics giant Natura & Co.
Administrators are assessing offers for the brand and its assets amidst the challenging retail landscape.
