The Body Shop unveils new outlet at OGF Mall; eyes other areas for expansion

PIX BY PRADEEP PATHIRANA 

• The globally renowned beauty brand celebrates ten successful years of business in Sri Lanka

By Shannine Daniel

Global beauty brand The Body Shop recently unveiled a new outlet at the One Galle Face (OGF) Mall in Colombo, while celebrating ten successful years in Sri Lanka.

The new store signifies the expansion of the brand across Sri Lanka, with outlets now located at Havelock City Mall, Odel Alexandra Place, Colombo City Centre, Kandy City Centre, OGF Mall and its flagship store at Bagatalle Road in Colombo 3.

“We are doing quite well in the Sri Lankan market, because there is a high demand for cruelty free beauty products,” said The Body Shop Sri Lanka Marketing and Training Manager Thilini Lelwala.

Lelwala also revealed that the brand is interested in moving towards other cities in Sri Lanka, such as Negombo or Galle. 

We also have a few good practices such as our recycling programme. All our plastic packaging is recyclable plastic,” said Lelwala.

She noted that The Body Shop also creates a lot of its products locally as well, and as part of its ethical business ethos, the brand sources the ingredients for its products from local farmers in rural areas, at fair prices. 

 “We are also trying to introduce more sustainable practices and progammes for our Sri Lankan market. Right now we are looking at ways we can introduce more recyclable packaging, since this is an important part of our brand,” Lelwala said.

She hopes to have an awareness programme soon to encourage customers to bring in empty plastic containers or bottles for recycling or up cycling. 

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, who was invited as Chief Guest for the opening ceremony of the new store, said The Body Shop was UK’s pioneering brand of ethical, sustainable and nature friendly products.

 “We are happy that brand has a new outlet in the centre of Colombo, which is a great location,” the High Commissioner said. 

“The Body Shop has strong base client base in South Asia, with Sri Lanka being one of the older South Asian markets. It’s a momentous occasional to see this British born ethical beauty brand being so loved in Sri Lanka, and the brand is truly immersing itself here,” said The Body Shop South Asia Executive Chairperson - Quest Retail Shriti Malhotra. 

The Body Shop is a UK-based cosmetics and skin care brand that was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick, based on the commitment to natural, eco-friendly products, sustainability and ethical, fair trade practices.