UK’s iconic beauty brand The Body Shop opens new store in Sri Lanka

Begins a new chapter in Sri Lanka with the launch of its new store and continues celebrating 40 years of rich heritage in beauty

The Body Shop, the iconic global retailer of cosmetics and toiletries launched its new store in Sri Lanka on Monday.  

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, in Littlehampton, England. The beauty brand pioneered social activism and was built on the philosophy that business can be a force for good.The Body Shop seeks to make a positive difference in the world by offering high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, hair care and make-up produced ethically and sustainably. 

Scaling up its vision, earlier this month, The Body Shop has launched globally a pioneering new global CSR strategy that will underpin all aspects of company operation. The new Commitment will reaffirm The Body Shop position as a leader in ethical business and will define the next stage of development of The Body Shop business. The brand has established a sustainability framework entitled ‘Enrich Not Exploit’, incorporating 14 specific, measurable CSR targets for 2020.

New targets include ensuring 100% of The Body Shop’s natural ingredients are traceable and sustainably sourced; reducing the energy consumption of The Body Shop stores by 10% every year; and guaranteeing that 70% of The Body Shop’s product packaging does not contain fossil fuels.

All The Body Shopproducts are created using the finest ingredients sourced from the four corners of the globe which are not tested on animals. The Body Shop has over 3000 stores in over 60 countries.

Jacqueline Fernandez, the brand Ambassador for The Body Shop launched the new storeat Fairline Building on Galle Roadon Monday. Also present on the occasion were The Body Shop Sri Lanka DirectorTrevor Rajaratnam and Softlogic Group Chairman/CEO Ashok Pathirage. Softlogic Group holds the franchise for the new store. The Body Shop store offers awide range of 100% vegetarian products across skin care, bath, shower, body care, make up, hair, fragrance, men’s and gifts. Other than the world famous and iconic products, the store also offers skincarespecialist consultation and make-up application and special make over services for customers.

Speaking on the launch Rajaratnam said: “We are delighted by this opportunity to launch The Body Shop in Sri Lanka. The Body Shop continues to derive inspiration from its founder Anita Roddick’s vision to be the most ethical and sustainable beauty brand in the world. It brings us pleasure to be able to extend her heritage inSri Lanka and introduce The Body Shop products to discerning Sri Lankan consumers who truly appreciate our naturally inspired and sensorial products.”

Sharing about the brand’s philosophy he added: “The Body Shop has dedicated itself wholeheartedly to enriching people and the planet and we strongly believe in this responsible business ethic. Our recently launched new commitment ‘Enrich Not Exploit’ will enable usto protect and nurture the environment and society across every part of our business: ingredients, products, packaging, stores, employees, suppliers and campaigns.”

Fernandez expressed her delight on The Body Shop’s launch in her country: “It’s been a long association with The Body Shop and it is an absolute pleasure to be the face of this inspiring natural and ethical beauty brand in my country. I am very excited to be part of my favourite brand’s launch in the country. The Body Shop is going to be a gift to thousands of consumers in Sri Lanka who have waited long for the brand.I am confident that consumers will feel good every time they walk inside The Body Shop stores and enjoy the products as much as I do.”

Speaking about her favouriteThe Body Shop products, she said: “I am addicted to The Body Shop products.I love the fact that The Body Shop offers the world’s best ingredients from around the world. My personal favourites are Fuji Green Tea Body care range which is a must-have for me as with these refreshing products I can smell good and feel good too. Tea Tree oil that keeps my skin blemishes-free and for my hair, I always trust and use The Body Shop’s Rainforest Coconut hair oil.”

Speaking on the launch, Pathirage said: “We are thrilled to associate with The Body Shop. In The Body Shop, we have found our kindred spirit: thanks to the synergy of our values, vision and culture, we will have the opportunity to greatly accelerate the business in Sri Lanka.”

Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera