The future of five north London Body Shop stores is uncertain after the chain went into administration.

The cruelty-free beauty chain currently runs more than 200 shops across the UK, with one of its north London branches a discounter as well as a central London stores in Oxford Street and Regent Street.

The retailer's new owner has appointed insolvency experts from FRP Advisory to oversee the administration process.

Founded in Brighton in 1976 by wife and husband Anita and Gordon Roddick, the company’s key focus was towards promoting so-called ethical consumerism, focusing on ethically produced cosmetics and skincare products.

The news of the administration comes weeks after the company's new owner Aurelius took control of the business in January, following a £207 million deal to secure The Body Shop from its previous owner Natura & Co.

The business employed around 10,000 people worldwide at the time of the takeover.

It is not currently known if any of the north London stores will close.

These are the five Body Shop stores located in north London:

  • Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Barnet
  • 36 Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, Enfield
  • 55 St Ann's Road, Harrow
  • Upper Street, Angel, Islington
  • London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park, Brent

FRP said the administrators will “consider all options to find a way forward for the business” after years of financial struggles and amid a challenging backdrop for shoppers.

The chain will continue to trade through stores and online during the administration process.

Administrators have outlined that the process will only affect its UK business, with international franchises not impacted.

FRP said: “The Body Shop remains guided by its ambition to be a modern, dynamic beauty brand, relevant to customers and able to compete for the long term.

“Creating a more nimble and financially stable UK business is an important step in achieving this.

"The Body Shop has faced an extended period of financial challenges under past owners, coinciding with a difficult trading environment for the wider retail sector.”