The Body Shop enjoyed a 4.2% increase in like-for-like sales growth in 2011 following a “militant” approach to innovation.

The cosmetics and beauty retailer – owned by L’oreal – said the like-for-like performance for the year to December 31 was “solid” while total retail sales rose 3.8% to €767.6m.

Parent company L’Oreal said there was a “sharp acceleration” in the fourth quarter with likes-for-likes up 7.6%.

L’oreal reported: “The Body Shop is further enhancing its militant approach to innovation, with launches including Brush with Fashion, a make-up collection created for young consumers; Earth lovers, a range of eco-designed, 100%-biodegradable shower gels; as well as White Musk Libertine.”

The retailer achieved growth in Europe, North America and experienced “strong growth” in the Middle East, most notably in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, it said. It performed well in Asia, particularly in India and Hong Kong.

The brand now has 16 online stores internationally and is continuing to grow at an accelerated rate in e-commerce.

L’Oreal said The Body Shop now has a “robust presence” in global travel retail outlets across 44 markets.