The Body Shop brand is a global retailer of more than 600 skin and hair care solutions, all containing only natural ingredients. Established in 1976 by Anita Roddick, the Body Shop educates its customers on awareness about environmental concerns, and offers 15% discount to customers who bringing in their own bottles for refills. The first Body Shop retail outlet was opened in the Bay Area, California, and still exists. Their other 1,900 outlets are located in 500 countries such as Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, and Germany to name a few. Their products range from cosmetics, accessories, bath & body products, fragrances, hair care, products for men, and even an aroma therapy range.
The Body Shop takes its social obligations very seriously. Their ‘Against Animal Testing’ (AAT) policy clearly states that their products are not tested on animals; instead they encourage alternative testing and spread awareness on the issue. They claim that ‘animal testing is not just cruel, it’s completely unnecessary’ and consider it ‘scientifically indefensible’. They also support ‘Community Trade’; according to the Body Shop, “big business has a huge responsibility to use trade not just to make money but also to have a positive influence in the world”. The Body Shop purchases natural ingredients and accessory items through the Community Trade program from Third World countries. They also encourage people to respect themselves, and be proud of who they are. The Body Shop brand has helped fund the Ogoni people from Africa to rise against oppression and continually supports them through their constant struggle. The Body Shop has always had global views and has vowed to spread awareness about global issues such as industrial waste discharge, animal protection and ethical management of industrial activities.
Voted the second most trusted brand in UK in 1991, 28th top brand worldwide in 1997 and 27th most respected brand in 1998, the Body Shop offers more than the ordinary cosmetics store. |
