Administrators managing The Body Shop have announced an auction of the brand after losing hope of restructuring the business, leaving its Kingston location with an uncertain future.

A spokesperson from FRP Advisory, the firm currently responsible for the skincare retailer, has said it has "decided to commence a sale process for the underlying business and assets of [The Body Shop]".

According to Sky News, owners of high street giant Next have expressed interest in the failing chain.

FRP says it is "encouraged by the level of interest received to date from interested parties," and believes The Body Shop "has a viable future" under a new owner after its restructuring.

However, the fate of the brand's roughly 100 stores across the UK that survived a round of 75 closures in February are still unknown.

Along with the Kingston location on Clarence Street, nearby stores in Hounslow Treaty Centre, Sutton, and Wimbledon also remain at risk.

Despite this, the future appears bright for the rest of Kingston's retailers, with the town being named the 5th best-performing retail centre in the 2024 Newmark Vitality Rankings.

Kingston was also rated the best large town for retailers in the country.

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