The Body Shop has reported like-for-like sales for the first half of 2011 to June 30 up 2.6%.

For the period, retail sales were up 2%.

The ethical cosmetics retailer, owned by L’Oreal, said it continues will its expansion into new markets, has accelerated the pace of its ecommerce growth and further boosted its visibility in travel retail.

It said it delivered strong growth in the Middle East, eastern Europe and southern Asia. It said western Europe remains challenged by local economic influences.

The Body Shop launched several new products in the period, including Brush with Fashion, a cruelty free limited edition make-up range and Body Butter Duos.

At the end of June 2011, The Body Shop had 2,645 shops globally.