Anita Roddick started what was to be a revolutionary global business – The Body Shop – in Brighton’s North Laine in 1979. She aimed to combine ‘profits with principle’ and changed the cosmetic industry through the use of natural ingredients and simple, re-fillable packaging. She was influenced by fellow Brightonian Muriel Dowding’s ‘Beauty without Cruelty’ movement.
Body Shop resonated with a growing consumer awareness of environmental concerns, and paved the way for other brands to adopt similar practices. The Community Fair Tradeprogramme was established with developing countries, to avoid the exploitation of farmers and suppliers, and also striving for equality and opportunities for women. ‘I think all businesses would improve immeasurably if they were founded on feminine principles’. The emphasis was not simply on looks but self-care, well-being and self-esteem.
In 2004 there 1980 stores worldwide, with over 77m customers. Sadly, Roddick died early at 63, leaving her £51m estate to charities.
