Body Shop is tackling sliding UK sales with a cosmetic refit of stores and staff.
The health and beauty giant reported an 8 per cent slump in first-half sales from UK stores this week, with comparable sales down 9 per cent.
Revitalisation plans include improved point-of-sale material, deeper product ranges and a friendlier approach from staff, complete with new uniforms.
Chief executive Peter Saunders said it did not have a footfall problem, rather a 'conversion' problem. He believes that new measures would help drive up average transaction values.
Saunders remained tight-lipped about new ideas being tested overseas, which may arrive in the UK next year. It has already embarked on an eight-store trial of a new merchandising system that automates replenishment.
In the 26 weeks to August 30, global sales stood at£306.1 million, with comparable store sales down 3 per cent overall. Pre-tax profit jumped to£9.1 million, reversing last year's loss of£700,000.
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