The Body Shop has told employees it will shut down all Irish shops by the end of the month. 

According to The Journal, some of the seven shops in Ireland may remain open to sell off stock, according to an email sent to staff. 

The Journal reports that the stores are due to close from February 29th.

In November 2023, global private equity group Aurelius bought the Body Shop for £207 million (€242 million).

Last month it was sold to a “family office” company named Alma24, which has strong links to Aurelius via director and majority shareholder Friedrich Trautwein.

Last week, the company went into administration after "years of unprofitability".

It has since announced plans to close up to half its 198 stores in the UK, leaving thousands of staff facing redundancy.

Some seven shops in the UK have already closed, including four in London alone.

The company said physical stores "remain a part of future strategy" but there is "renewed focus" on online shopping and wholesales.

The Body Shop also announced it would "restructure roles in its Head Office", including closing The Body Shop Ambassador programme.

The Body Shop founder Annita Roddick opened her first store in Brighton in 1976.

The company opened its first Irish shop in Dublin in 1981. 

The business's original vision was to sell products with ethically sourced, cruelty-free, and natural ingredients.

 SIPTU and The Body Shop has been contacted for comment.