The Body Shop has reported total retail sales up 1% and like-for-like growth at up 0.7% in its full year 2009 figures.

On a comparable stores basis, the cosmetics and beauty retailer reported sales were down 0.6%.

The Body Shop – owned by L’Oreal – said in a statement it proved resilient in a “severely affected retail market, registering solid growth in most of Asia, the Middle East and mainland Europe”.

However, it said, “the economic climate continued to hamper customer footfall in countries such as the UK and in North America”.

During the year, The Body Shop launched its first certified organic skincare range, Nutriganics, and a fragrance using Community Trade alcohol made from organic sugar cane, Love Etc.

The retailer also launched The Originals collection, which includes 11 iconic The Body Shop products sold at competitive prices.

At the end of 2009, The Body Shop had 2,550 shops in 63 countries.