Weak US markets flatten Body Shop
COSMETICS retailer Body Shop International has posted flat same-store sales for the ten weeks to 5 January, after declining demand in the US and on the Continent offset gains in the UK and Asia.
The maker of fruity shower gels and seaweed soap reported a 2% fall in total same-store sales for the first 44 weeks to January of its financial year ending in February.
Like-for-like sale at the core UK and Ireland operation were down 3% for the 44 weeks.
The UK returned to positive growth with a 1% increase in same-store sales for the Christmas period after a marketing campaign to entice 20 to 30-year-olds paid off. 'Margins compared favourably year-on-year, especially on seasonal gifts,' the company added.
The company, founded by Anita Roddick, said sales trends were now improving in all geographic areas, except the US, which had suffered a 7% fall in sales for the 10 weeks.
Preliminary takeover talks were continuing with several potential bidders. Among the reported bidders are French investment bank BNP Paribas' private equity arm and the Texas Pacific buyout fund of the US.
