Now, more than ever, the world needs strong, confident bodies. That’s why The Body Shop, the iconic activist beauty brand, is rolling up its sleeves, starting with the launch of its new concept store at Metrocentre Gateshead.
The new store is an interactive ‘activist workshop’ that encourages people to explore products and discover how, together, we can fight for a fairer and more beautiful world.
Famous for its high-quality naturally-inspired cosmetic and toiletry products, The Body Shop is known all over the world for pioneering the philosophy that business can be a force for good, for launching new standards of ethics in business and for its consistency in campaigning for change on behalf of those whose voices aren’t heard.
The Body Shop’s new Activist Maker Workshop store is a place for play and discovery, where shoppers can get stuck in and get inspired by the brand’s legendary beauty products and ethical purpose.
Find out what makes this new concept store a truly unique experience:
REFILL STATION
The Body Shop is on a mission to make refilling your bottles mainstream. Now, customers can purchase a refillable 300ml aluminium bottle and fill it up with any 12* of the brand’s best-loved shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and hand washes. And, when you run out of lather, you just need to bring back the cleaned bottle, ready to be refilled. Reusing your packaging really is that simple. Seemingly small acts can lead to big change.
SUSTAINABLE STORE FIXTURES
With this new concept, The Body Shop is going back to its roots and continues its passion of being forward thinking and environmentally progressive. The store has been outfitted with sustainable fixtures made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastics to help minimize its environmental footprint.
Examples include a metal façade constructed in aluminium, which requires less energy production than other materials and is infinitely recyclable. The store also boasts worktop surfaces that are manufactured from 100% recycled material destined for landfill.
MOST LOVED PRODUCTS
Pick up The Body Shop’s most-loved products from the bestsellers’ bays, featuring an edit of head-to-toe heroes loved by customers around the world. Led by single ingredients – many of them sourced through the brand’s Community Fair Trade programme – ranges like Tea Tree, Charcoal and Hemp have become favourites for their hardworking formulas. The Body Shop’s friendly staff are on-hand to offer demonstrations, tailored tips and new ways to experience these iconic products.
ACTIVISM HUB
The new store also features an activism hub where people can discover the brand’s activist roots as well as campaign for social change around issues ranging from gender equality to fighting cosmetic animal testing. Customers can also find out how they can get involved and take a stand with The Body Shop’s global and local collective of fearless activists.
RETURN. RECYCLE. REPEAT
This store will allow customers to easily recycle their beauty product packaging. Tell the workshop staff if you want to return and recycle any of The Body Shop’s empty bottles, tubs, tubes and pots. Next, put your empty packaging in the bin so Scan2Recycle can recycle and repurpose it. Next time you visit, recycle again! Simple. Your planet is sending big love your way.
GIFTING STATION
Thanks to the gifting station, there are endless ways to make the perfect present as special as your special someone. Get creative and personalise gifts with stamps, ribbons and recyclable paper to treat your loved ones to something truly unique. You can even personalise your refillable bottle with stickers from the gifting station!
A TEAM OF ACTIVISTS
As always, The Body Shop’s friendly, knowledgeable Activist Maker Workshop store teams will be on-hand to help shoppers experience and play with products like never before. They will be happy to offer expert advice, personalised makeovers and body care, skincare and haircare experiential demonstrations. And, if you want to, they’ll also be excited to share and engage in activity around The Body Shop’s recent campaigns, the environment, social justice and how we can create and fight for a fairer and more beautiful world.
B CORP
In 2019, The Body Shop was B Corp certified joining a select group of companies united in their mission to drive change in society through ethical and sustainable business. In partnership with fellow B Corps, The Body Shop is committed to doing business in a way that does good for both people and the planet. B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
Linda Campbell, Managing Director UK & Ireland at The Body Shop, said: “This new store showcases the best of The Body Shop’s brand values. This new concept store marks the return to our activism roots. We want our customers to roll up their sleeves and join us in playing with product and campaigning for issues that progress equality.”
Today, The Body Shop operates about 3,000 retail locations in over 75 countries and offers an array of over 800 cruelty-free products, ranging from world-famous Shea Body Butter, best-selling Hemp Hand Protector and much-loved Tea Tree skin care range.
*Availability varies by stores