Family-owned fragrances retailer Bodycare plots sale

The nationwide retailer founded on a Lancashire market stall in 1970 has hired Interpath Advisory to court potential buyers, Sky News understands.

A family-owned fragrances retailer founded on a Lancashire market stall more than half a century ago has appointed advisers to explore a sale.

Sky News understands that Bodycare, which trades from more than 100 stores across the UK, is working with Interpath Advisory on a process to bring in a new owner.

City sources said the auction was at an early stage, and that Bodycare was reviewing a number of options for its future.

Bodycare was established by Graham and Margaret Blackledge in Skelmersdale in 1970, and sells branded products made by the likes of L’Oreal, Nivea and Elizabeth Arden.

The chain was profitable before the pandemic, but lost millions of pounds during the last two financial years, according to people close to the process.

Bodycare did receive financial support from the taxpayer in the form of business rates relief and grants made under the government’s furlough scheme.