THE fate of a cosmetic high street brand's Essex branches has finally been revealed after administrators were parachuted in at the end of last year.

The Body Shop, which has stores in Harlow, Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford, Basildon and Southend, went into administration before Aurelius purchased the firm last November.

It has now been revealed a total of 116 stores across the country will remain open while 75 stores will close in a phased period over the next four to six weeks. 

Branches in Colchester, Braintree Chelmsford and Southend are among the stores which will continue trading, while the Harlow, Basildon and Stansted Airport shops will shut.

Elsewhere, however, 489 staff will “regrettably” be made redundant, bosses have confirmed. 

Tony Wright, joint administrator, said: “In taking swift action to right-size The Body Shop UK store portfolio, we have stabilised the business and are providing the best opportunity for this iconic brand to have a long-term, sustainable future.  

“The UK business continues to trade in administration, and we remain fully focused on exploring all options to take the business forward.” 

The announced changes will only impact the business in the UK, as stores abroad will remain. 

The retailer employs an estimated 10,000 people across the globe and FRP Advisory will reportedly handle the insolvency process.