Another high street name is disappearing from Blackburn as Bodycare confirms the closure of its store in The Mall.
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The long-running health and beauty chain will shut its Blackburn store by Saturday, with administrators announcing that all 56 remaining Bodycare shops across the UK are closing permanently, resulting in the loss of 444 jobs.
The Darwen branch of Bodycare was already closed earlier this month as part of the first wave of shutdowns, meaning both local outlets will soon be gone for good.
End of the Line for a Lancashire Original
Founded in Lancashire in 1970, Bodycare became a familiar sight in towns across the region, known for its bright lights, stacks of bargain essentials and warehouse-style shelves brimming with toiletries, cosmetics and household goods.
But after falling into administration on 5 September, the retailer has failed to find a buyer for its physical stores. Stock shortages, rising costs, and fierce competition from online retailers and high street giants like Boots and Superdrug have all contributed to the brand’s collapse.
A Sad Day for Staff and Shoppers
More than 1,000 jobs have been lost across the UK since Bodycare’s collapse. The latest wave of closures will hit towns including Burnley, Preston, Clitheroe, Bury and Chorley – and now, Blackburn.
Administrators say discussions about the Bodycare brand are ongoing, meaning an online-only future may still be possible. But for now, Blackburn’s Bodycare store will shut by Saturday, 28 September.
Nick Holloway, joint administrator, confirmed that a sale of the stores was now “unlikely” and that the business was “no longer viable to continue trading”.
What’s Next for The Mall?
With Poundland and Bodycare both closing stores in The Mall Blackburn within weeks, questions continue about what the future holds for town centre retail.
🛍️ Full List of Local Bodycare Closures in Lancashire:
- Blackburn – closing this week
- Darwen – closed earlier in September
- Burnley
- Preston
- Chorley
- Clitheroe
- Lancaster
- Bury
