In this guest episode of Green Beauty Conversations, we dive deep into the rise and fall of an iconic beauty brand, The Body Shop. Podcast host and Formula Botanica CEO Lorraine Dallmeier is joined by Wizz Selvey, a seasoned beauty retail expert and analyst, for an insightful exploration of the brand’s evolution over the years.
Wizz explains the challenges this familiar face of beauty retail encountered, from its changing ownership to shifts in consumer behaviour, and unravels the recent announcement of The Body Shop entering into administration.
This episode covers the fate of a beauty giant that was a feature of UK shopping streets for nearly 50 years. If you are curious about The Body Shop news, and keen to glean insights into the ever-changing, and often ruthless landscape of the beauty industry, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of activism, sustainability efforts, and the crucial role of innovation in the beauty industry.
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Inspiring quote:
“In the ever-evolving beauty industry, success lies in staying attuned to consumer trends, innovating at the right time, and creating an emotive connection. Remember, we are humans at the end of the day; we buy emotionally, and understanding that is the key to building a brand that stands the test of time.” – Wizz Selvey, Beauty Retail Expert & Analyst
In this episode with Wizz Selvey, you will hear:
- The historical overview of The Body Shop: its ownership transitions and its recent entry into administration.
- Analysis of the brand’s challenges: from its integration issues after being acquired by L’Oréal to subsequent shifts under Natura and Aurelius.
- Insights into the significance of consumer trends: how timing and market dynamics play a decisive role in shaping a beauty brand’s success.
- Exploration of the potential impact of activism: and the absence of a visible leader on the brand’s identity.
- Examination of The Body Shop’s attempts at sustainability: including its refilling schemes and the closure of “The Body Shop at Home” arm.
Key takeouts include:
- The critical role of innovation and staying attuned to consumer demands in ensuring a brand’s longevity.
- The delicate balance between embracing nostalgia and evolving to meet the needs of a contemporary audience.
- The potential challenges faced by heritage brands in a saturated market, leading to the risk of decline.
- Consideration of future possibilities for The Body Shop, including potential rebranding, acquisition by multi-brand retailers, or a shift to an online-only model.
- The importance of strong leadership and visible activism in aligning a brand with ethical values and connecting with consumers.
Meet our guest: Wizz Selvey
Wizz Selvey is a thought leader and a go-to industry name for market insights and advice in the retail industry, voted by RETHINK Retail as one of the top retail influencers. Previously heading up beauty buying at Selfridges and now the founder of WIZZ&CO, a strategy agency specialising in retail, consumer trends and brand-building.
She is an international speaker and a regular contributor to industry and mainstream press such as WGSN, Retail Week, Retail Gazette, Drapers, City AM, Business of Fashion, The Telegraph and Cosmetics Business to name a few.
Wizz’s varied experience means she’s in the unique position to have worked with thousands of brands and understands the market like no other. Put simply, she knows what works and is passionate about helping businesses combine innovation, creativity and commerciality to get results.
Find Wizz and Wizz&Co on:
Wizz&Co website | Wizz Selvey on Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
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Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Chartered Environmentalist and the CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetic science school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica Team.
