The Body Shop returns to Belgium and Switzerland

The British chain disappeared from Belgium last year after a bankruptcy, but now wants to force a return under the impetus of Stefan Herzberg (ex-Karstadt). In an interview with Lebensmittelzeitung, the German entrepreneur says he is having “far-reaching” negotiations with department store chain Inno.

“We will implement the first branches this year,” he announces. In addition to the cooperation with Inno, Herzberg also wants to reopen its own branches. Herzberg, who also obtained the licences for Germany and the Netherlands last year, even says he is looking for franchise partners for further expansion.

The former Karstadt manager has also obtained the licence for Switzerland, after former franchisee Coop let its contract expire at the end of May, closing all 33 shops. Herzberg must therefore look for new locations, a process he says has already begun. The British parent company was rescued last summer by investment company Auréa.