Have you heard of “The Body Shop”?
It is one of the most visited beauty shops by women and MEN equally . . . The reputation and the popularity of the shop is not only throughout the UK but also spread globally. There is no surprise that it had over 2400 shops worldwide diverse between ... Read review
Advantages: Excellent products, great smell and environmentally friendly. Disadvantages: Very expensive products.
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It is one of the most visited beauty shops by women and MEN equally . . . The reputation and the popularity of the shop is not only throughout the UK but also spread globally. There is no surprise that it had over 2400 shops worldwide diverse between small shops and mega stores expanded over sixty one different countries in most Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and the United States of America!
Many years ago, while I was ... ...the United Kingdom, I worked at one of their smaller shops for over a year. As a result, I’ve learnt a lot about customers’ preferences, how to communicate and satisfy clients and most importantly, I’ve gained knowledge about beauty which was an advantage to me in future jobs.
== What is The Body Shop? ==
Oh . . . The Body Shop’s name doesn’t sound exciting, actually I thought it was quite daft and boring, but it was ... more
Have you heard of “The Body Shop”?
It is one of the most visited beauty shops by women and MEN equally . . . The reputation and the popularity of the shop is not only throughout the UK but also spread globally. There is no surprise that it had over 2400 shops worldwide diverse between small shops and mega stores expanded over sixty one different countries in most Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and the United States of America!
Many years ago, while I was struggling to look for a decent job to survive in the United Kingdom, I worked at one of their smaller shops for over a year. As a result, I’ve learnt a lot about customers’ preferences, how to communicate and satisfy clients and most importantly, I’ve gained knowledge about beauty which was an advantage to me in future jobs.
What is The Body Shop?
Oh . . . The Body Shop’s name doesn’t sound exciting, actually I thought it was quite daft and boring, but it was the choice of the store’s founder, Anita Roddick (and her husband), who opened the first store on the 26th March 1976 in Brighton! From there it was the beginning of the new era of the store. Year after year, The Body Shop has flourished and expanded from locally to nationally; and finally internationally spread out!
They used a ‘green’ theme in their shops and for their logo, which has been slightly changed over the years but it’s still embracing; it’s the same theme. By using the green theme, they are referring to their supportive scheme of recycling, for the great GREEN earth, and for protecting animal rights.
The Body Shop initially appealed mostly to younger women and teenagers, but cleverly and gradually through the years has widened the appeal by expertly introducing new products and innovative new-fangled ideas that are caring about older females and males as well. The Body Shop grew bigger, to become the second largest cosmetics authorization in the world and now it is a part of the most famous cosmetic brand L’Oreal.
It sounds good . . . for what specialities is The Body Shop particularly known?
Apparently, The Body Shop specialises in everything related to the body . . . from head to toe . . . The Body Shop comprises wide-ranging products for the body, face, hair (and for the home as well!) What more would you ask for, eh? Some of their major special areas are in the following:
• Facial skin care Includes the whole lot . . . different kinds of cleansers for different types of skin; toners; night and day creams; masks and exfoliators; anti aging products for eyes and lips; accessories like cotton wool, hair bands, mini travel kits, even bath robes! And . . . not forgetting the other half . . . they have MEN’S face care! (if you are interested)
• Make up: Everything you need for your make up bag for face, eyes, lips, cheeks; also tanning and bronzing products; and of course all the necessary tools and applicators for a successful make up like brushes, mirrors etc . . .
• Bath and body: this is my favourite department so far! What I like about their bath and body section is their variety of choices along with great fragrances that are too good to be eaten! You have the ultimate pampering session at the comfort of your home in your own bath! There are body cleansers, scrubs, moisturisers, hands and feet, spa and aromatherapy and massage and also products for the little ones (our babies)!
• Hair: you can find shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and treatments and hair styling for all kinds of hair; also hair accessories and brushes.
• Fragrances: perfumes for him and her, body mists; and for home fragrance too they have oil burners, diffusers and beautifully scented candles for special nights!
• Gifts: (another great department they have!) beautifully packed and presented gifts for all special occasions for him and her, reasonably priced . . . you can find some great value gifts at £10, but I highly recommend visiting their website and looking for clearance items, special sales and offers.
What makes it different from other beauty shops?
As I said before I worked there long enough to learn a lot about the store. I don’t want to appear biased or unfair, but I have to say that their products are always high quality using top ingredients; they are Ozone friendly, and they also have an organic range. I would like to draw your attention to the smell of their products: a fruity, sweet and refreshing smell! You can never miss the shop and its distinctive delightful and attractive fragrances coming down the street . . . the smell is the shop landmark!
So is it different? I can say yes . . . there is something for everyone!
Now . . . look over the Store’s appearance and entrance. All The Body Shop stores look the same, whether it’s a small shop or mega store! With the one and only green theme . . . nearly everywhere exteriorly and interiorly, they also still have the traditionally “old” look that hasn’t changed and also the green label that slightly changed from dark green to a lighter version but still greenish!
The typical look nearly on every shop when you enter: the shop looks very basic: simple and a bit old fashioned! It has dark GREEN shelves nearly on all four walls; drawers underneath; extensive lights; big posters and a big green background facing the customers! Some round tables or demonstration boxes are arranged to display the products and of course, the shop assistants to help you! The first thing you notice when coming inside (apart from the shelves) is the exemplary idiosyncratic smell. When entering the shop you feel that you are entering the glory of beauty . . . there is no doubt about that!
The staff, customer services and returning policy. . .
The girls and guys in purple or green are always happy and ready to lend a hand! Very helpful staff members are professionally trained to answer all your skin inquiries, helping you to choose the right products for your skin and giving you free advice to look after your skin and body.
The staff members have been trained for several weeks to be fit for the job (that was what I did before joining the team); MOST of them are cheerful and friendly. As for the customer services team, they are again very friendly, but their policy is fairly strict especially when buying facial products and creams, for hygienic reasons, you can’t return a product for refund or replacement simply because you changed your mind. The only exception is when a reaction/allergy occurs: in this case a refund will be made.
Advantages
There are several advantages to the store and its products
• Superior quality, there is no denial that their products are top quality using the best ingredients.
• Gorgeous smell.
• There are wide ranges for body (from inside and outside), face care for men and women and a lot more!
• Friendly and helpful staff.
• Their pots, jars and containers are recyclable and environmentally friendly (and refillable).
• Available in nearly every town in UK; also available world wide.
Disadvantages
• Some very expensive prices
• Some scents are sickly sweet
• Can cause some allergies for some people
• Most of their containers are very rudimentary!
Stores in Spain
The Body Shop stores are located also in Spain. They are not as widespread as in the UK, but at least we have the shop! Unlike the United Kingdom it is only available in big cities.
Quick comparison between The Body Shop in the UK and the International Body Shops abroad.
There are many differences between the local shops in the United Kingdom and the ones abroad like Spain for instance. . .
• A large number of the shops are much smaller.
• The products are priced lower; it is about 10%-15% cheaper in Spain!
• Some discontinued product lines from the UK can still be located there!
• Different offers and different promotions!
Reward cards (The Body Shop green card!)
Like most GOOD and FAMOUS stores; The Body Shop has it’s own reward card. They called it “Love you body” Applying and having the card is not for free, first you have to pay a balance of £5 to get the card issued. You can apply online and it will be delivered to your home (with extra £2.49 as delivery charge) and this you will be charged an annual fee of £5 for your membership or you can apply in store and save £2.49.
The benefits of having the card
• You can enjoy a 10% discount on everything
• Special invitations and special events (like the ones which Boots has in their shops)
• Special birthday gifts on your birthday
• Exclusive offers and special promotions for cardholders only.
• Special online newsletter and special promotions and discounts.
Prices and quality
The prices are nearly the same on all the body shop stores but internationally the prices are 10%-25% cheaper due to different currency, VAT and taxes and labour so when you are abroad.
The products in general are on the expensive side, highly priced but you can look out for special promotions online (discount codes and vouchers), also their sale can be up to 70% off and buy one and get one free or half priced.
The quality of their products is unquestionable! High quality manufactured goods using the best combinations of natural and some organic materials. The best thing I like about their products is the sweet and gorgeous aromatic smell from their goods; the smell is so powerful that expand all over the store! You can’t help yourself sniffing things there!
Trying to be natural? Erm . . . Really?
Trying to get customers attention and sell more . . . The body shop carried on the same policy since starting on the market until the mid-1990s, as they used to sell their products labeled as "natural" to attract buyers who were concerned about the environment and with using only natural ingredients (although to be truthful, their statement is not quite as honest as they claim, as their products still contain chemical substances - unnatural, manufactured dyes, artificial scents, and some preservatives!). In the new millennium they changed their declaration to something more inspirational: "inspired by nature" was their new slogan.
Policy for animal’s rights . . . good news for animal lovers! ( according to their statements and claims!)
The Body Shop has a very strict policy regarding using animal products and for not testing on animals. One permitted product is lanolin (from sheep’s wool) so if you are sensitive, ask if the product you want contains lanolin. They also support the development researches to find an alternative substitute to animal testing. Their statement is "Our products are not tested on animals, never have been and never will be. It’s considered to be their STRICT rule!
Their campaigns? . . . Successful? Probably!
They mainly promoted good ideas but without much financial backing (I believe) until more recently when they have begun seriously donating time and money!
Their main campaigns
• They were trying to be natural, by searching for, and using natural products and trying to use as few chemicals as possible to save the planet, also to stop animal testing and being cruel to animals by supporting and funding all the necessary researches.
• They helped by Supporting the community and people by encouraging fair trade system and trying to be an ethical shop.
Some other campaigns (the STOP campaign)
• Stop violence at home
• Stop HIV: yes, yes, yes
Their recent campaign “Stop child trafficking” (Lend a hand, or two ways you can make a difference)
The Body Shop recently partnered with ECPAT, who are a global network of charities who are working to stop the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children and young people around the world.
Their partnership makes the media and people talk about the issues. How does it work?
By buying Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream, a portion of their profits will go to their partner but I guess by this recent campaign they hit two birds with one stone!
Their website
An easy to navigate web page, it is very colourful and attractive. Full of tips or hints with latest offers news. I have used their website for several times, easy to find products, easy to order and fast express delivery. Their web page address is http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk
You can find all the relevant and useful information for which you are looking.
Party at home
Partying at home is one of their newly created events. It’s a lot like Ann Summers parties; you can book and host a party by inviting one of The Body Shop expert teams/beauty consultants to show you and your friends the latest beauty trends. In addition to having a makeover, they virtually bring the shop into your house so you can have a true girly party!
I went to quite a few of these parties as a part of my job at that time; all that I can say is that it’s a pleasurable, entertaining, amusing and full of excitement evening! The only thing that we are missing is a male stripper! (I am only joking!)
It is a bit expensive to book and organise a home party but it is well worth it; it is ideal as a birthday party and for special occasions.
My experience with them (as a customer and as a part of staff)
As a customer, I have been a loyal customer to The Body Shop for years, and as a member of staff, I used to have a special discount so I enjoyed their products and saved few pounds! Most if not all of their products are high quality and nicely presented using their “trade mark” the circular container: you will have noticed that most of body butter and creams come in that container which is supporting nature and is recyclable. High quality products are made, using the finest ingredients, but they are a bit expensive: I feel that some products are overpriced for what they are. You don’t find many advertisements online or in magazines and I do not remember ever having seen any on TV recently, so maybe that explains the high pricing technique. They mainly depend on their campaigns and charitable events.
All over conclusion
As a conclusion, yes, I highly recommend visiting The Body Shop, buying and trying their products. High quality, somewhat natural, with a powerfully strong and sweet smell, the products are environmentally friendly but keep in mind the high pricing included. You can register online for the latest offers and discounts, which will entitle you to receive free samples, tips and hints in how to look your best in special occasions.
I’m infatuated with The Body Shop (even though I still prefer Boots!) but we don’t have Boots here in Spain; therefore, for now, it is The Body Shop all the way for me! It is a nice experience and once you try their products you will be addicted, too! Look for your nearest shop and see for yourself.
Advantages: Great Scents, Brilliant Make-up range, see more in review! Disadvantages: Customer service, slight bit over-priced??
=== UPDATE === Where the row of asterisk's are in my review is where I have updated it. I am not going to delete or change anything I have said previously, as that was my experience and nothing can change that. But the more helpful members of staff have restored my faith in The Body Shop... If you like a wide range of brilliant bath and body products, fabulous make-up and the some of the best make-up brushes you may ever come across, this is the ... ...I have heard is brilliant! The Body Shop is extremely popular and well-known. They also have great values, such as looking after the planet, which pleases me. == The Good == As I said, lovely products, all smelling delicious. They have many different scents which is great, as I'm sure everybody will find a scent they like. Their make-up range, Nature's Mineral's, is fabulous! They also have a great facial skincare range and beautiful gifts which ...
xhoneybeex 27.08.2009 (27.10.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Body Shop (Shop)
Advantages: good ethical values, great quality products, lovely smelling shops Disadvantages: some doubt the good work they do, their shops are all reeeeeally small
...for a shop, really. The Body Shop. And yet it is an extremely well known name, recently voted the 27th most respected company in the world by the Financial Times and the 2nd best brand in the retail sector by the 1997 Interbrand survey (see www.thebodyshop.com for more details). Born in Brighton in 1976, for almost thirty years now The Body Shop has been providing natural, environmentally friendly products on the high street, at high street prices ... ...Shop stores across the UK, and more internationally. All stores have the same range of products. I personally have visited probably ten or eleven stores across the north of England and have found that prices are uniform throughout these stores, as is the décor and general style of the shop. The inside of The Body Shop is always neat and tidy, and the products arranged in attractive displays. They are usually arranged by ‘type’; so all white musk ...
flipflopgirl 17.12.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Body Shop (Shop)
Advantages: Extensive range of ethical products Disadvantages: Quite pricey
COMPANY INFORMATION: The Body Shop is a British high street store selling cosmetics, beauty products, toiletries and gifts; Dame Anita Roddick founded it in 1976 and there are now over 2,400 spanning across 61 countries. The Body Shop markets itself as an ethical organisation that supports fair trade and is against animal testing. PRODUCT RANGE: The Body Shop is one of the most well known British brands of 'natural' beauty products. Think of a part ... ...as bath and body products, The Body Shop also does an extensive range of skincare products that use natural ingredients that are good for the skin such as tea tree oil. These are separated into ranges to suit different skin types but which are still based on a main ingredient such as a range of products using jojoba for dry skin. In these ranges you will find the usual types of products you would expect from a skincare range like cleansers, toners ...
jesperado77 17.06.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Body Shop (Shop)
Advantages: Big discounts Disadvantages: Temptation to overspend!
...is it a review of the company's business practices, policy on animal testing or community trade practices. These may be the subject of future reviews, but this is simply about a reacquaintance with an old friend!
Discovery
When I returned to the UK 6yrs ago, after 17yrs living in South Africa, I discovered The Body Shop! I was a devotee of their lovely, rich body lotions and butters as well as their exotic bath and shower gels, creams and oils. ... ...linen, luscious fruity lip balms….and the list goes on…..,
I am a very girly girl who adores perfume, bath and body goodies, cosmetics, and general indulgence. Compared to what had been available in SA, I was amazed at all the different brands- and the extent of their ranges-that I now had access to. I was in beauty product heaven! Shopping took on a whole new meaning. I enjoyed experimenting with different lotions and potions and there were soooooooo ...
psychstudent1 13.11.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Body Shop (Shop)
Advantages: environmentally friendly, non-beastie testing, fair-trading, recycle-able, nice smelly stuff Disadvantages: expense, irritatingly small shops, and some worrying stuff from Greenpeace
...with fairtrade fortnight reviews, and the odd ethically encouraging product review to spur me along. I certainly didn’t know much about the evils of Nestle before Ciao, and now it really does make a difference when I scan the supermarket shelves for chocolate. Not only do I go for the biggest bar, I try to stick with Cadburys!
And so I found myself wondering about the Body Shop. Before researching this review, I knew very little about the company ... ...with) is simple but effective: the Body Shop is a caring company who prevents the suffering of animals, sells “natural” products, and who helps to protect the environment and third world producers. Oh, and that they recycle their packaging. I knew that: you just take it back to the shop. I feel guilty every time I throw plastic in the bin, so I thought shopping at the Body Shop might alleviate some guilt. But then I read this article on the web:
...
molelover 04.06.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The Body Shop (Shop)
Value for money
Layout & presentation
Selection & range
Quality
Staff knowledge
Waiting / queues
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I am a regular shopper with the BodyShop and have found their loyalty card a really excellent investment. For those of you who don?t know the BodyShop is a retailer selling natural skincare and make up for both men and women. They have shops in most towns and also have an excellent web site. If you have never looked at what they have on offer I suggest you go and have a look at their web site as they have some great ideas for Christmas gifts! However this review is about the BodyShops loyalty card known as the love your body card.
The Bodyshops loyalty card is not free like most other loyalty cards but costs £5. The card is valid for a year from the date of purchase. You can either sign up for one in store or on line. If you shop via Quidco you will receive cash back so this is well worth doing! The registration form will ask ...
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Along similar lines to the BodyShop, which has got a little tired and predictable.
I get the impression that the BodyShop is in black & white whilst the Bath And Body Works is in full technicolour with flashing lights!
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Advantages: A HUGE array of all different products Disadvantages: They don't advertise so misconceptions are made!
there, especially now BodyShop are owned by Loreal, (means the ingredients are animal tested anyway before they reach the bodyshop factory.....)
I recommend the massage bars, Wiccy sorts out my tight neck muscles a treat, and it doesn't burn like deep heat does :) ...
fenny99 01.12.2009
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