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Residents 'shocked' at Body Shop HQ move

Getty Images The entry to a Body Shop store, with a large logo in the foreground and cosmetics on a stand in the backgroundGetty Images
The Body Shop is moving its HQ along the Sussex coast to Brighton

Residents in Littlehampton say they are "shocked" to learn that The Body Shop is moving its headquarters from the West Sussex town to Brighton.

The beauty brand opened its first shop in Brighton nearly 50 years ago and last month was saved from going into administration by a consortium led by the British cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania.

A spokesperson for The Body Shop says the move "reinforces the values upon which we were built", adding that "Brighton is a place that celebrates diversity and creativity".

But people in Littlehampton have been telling BBC Radio Sussex that it is a loss to the town.

A woman with grey, shoulder-length hair and clear glasses stood in a street. She is wearing a dark blue jacket and looking at the camera
Jane Cundiff said she was pleased to see the business still going

Jane Cundiff said that move was "a shame", adding: "It’s been here so long but I think as long as they’re still employing people they’re still doing their products which are very good."

Roger Stevens said: “I’m shocked, really. The Body Shop has been part of this town for the last 40 years. I’m very surprised.”

A spokesperson for Arun District Council said it was "a sad loss to Littlehampton, but no reflection on the town".

A spokesperson for The Body Shop said: "We want to thank the people of Littlehampton for all their love and support over the years.

"We’re proud to have been part of the community there and have been touched by all the kind words of encouragement from the locals in recent weeks."

The Body Shop was founded in Kensington Gardens in 1976 by the late environmental and human rights campaigner Dame Anita Roddick.

Dame Anita and her husband Gordon sold the business to French beauty giant L'Oreal in 2006.

The new headquarters will be based at the Plus X Innovation Hub, close to the University of Brighton.

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