Bodycare has described the launch of its new Bradford store as a significant milestone in its high street comeback.
The health and beauty retailer’s fourth ‘Studio Store’ concept opened in Bradford on September 19, offering a blend of traditional Bodycare products alongside new features and experiences designed to attract a younger audience.
Bradford as a key milestone in Bodycare's comeback
Tash Courtenay-Smith, chief marketing officer at Bodycare, said: "Bradford is a really important milestone for Bodycare.
"It is our fourth Studio Store and represents another step in our return to the high street and our ambition to build a new kind of accessible health and beauty retailer."
The company said the store aims to combine its well-known value-for-money products with a more immersive shopping experience, centred on discovery and community.
(Image: Newsquest)
She said Bodycare chose Bradford for its youthful and diverse population, describing it as the ideal location for a concept built around beauty, creativity, and emerging trends.
Ms Courtenay-Smith said: "We know that Bodycare has a history with shoppers in the area, so there was a real opportunity to bring the brand back in a completely new format."
30 new jobs created
The opening has created nearly 30 new jobs, with additional work generated for contractors and suppliers involved in the store’s construction and ongoing maintenance.
Bodycare said the project has also allowed some former employees to return, resulting in a team that blends experienced staff with new recruits.
(Image: Newsquest)
The Bradford store differs significantly from traditional Bodycare branches, with a focus on experiences and engagement, all part of the company’s broader strategy to reinvent high street presence.
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It includes a free creator studio for content creators, aspiring influencers, and community groups to film and produce content, as well as a professional piercing studio, expanded cosmetics section, Korean beauty products, and a larger fragrance range.
(Image: Shine Pix/Shaun Fellows)
Ms Courtenay-Smith said: "The difference is simple.
"Old Bodycare: where can I get cheap toiletries?
"New Bodycare: what can I discover today?"
The company said customer feedback since opening has been "overwhelmingly positive," with shoppers welcoming the return of Bodycare to Bradford and showing strong interest in the new features.
(Image: Newsquest)
Visit from Anita Rani
Broadcaster Anita Rani, who has close ties to Bradford, visited the store ahead of its launch.
Bodycare described her appearance as a fitting way to celebrate the city’s culture and creativity.
Ms Courtenay-Smith said: "For us, it was about much more than having a familiar face at the opening.
"It was about celebrating Bradford and making the launch feel like an event for the city."
The retailer hopes the Bradford branch will become more than just a place to shop.
For those who haven’t yet visited, Ms Courtenay-Smith offered a simple invitation.
She said: "Come and have a look, even if you think you know Bodycare, you probably haven't seen Bodycare like this before."