The Phoenix Rises: The Body Shop Makes Dramatic Relaunch in New Zealand Under Local Ownership
By The Lion’s Roar News International Desk
AUCKLAND— Just months after its complete closure and liquidation, beloved ethical beauty retailer The Body Shop is set for a dramatic return to the New Zealand market. The brand, which saw its 16 stores shuttered earlier this year, is making a comeback under the stewardship of a new, wholly locally owned franchise, promising a fresh start for the iconic brand and a boost of confidence for the beleaguered retail sector.
The successful acquisition of the New Zealand rights by a local company, Version3 Limited, marks a “phoenix-like” revival following a turbulent period of voluntary administration and eventual liquidation, a process that saw all 70 permanent staff lose their jobs earlier in the year. The relaunch is being spearheaded by Khan Wyman, the former General Manager of the previous Body Shop NZ entity, alongside his wife, Pamela Bonira.
📉 From Administration to Annihilation: The 2025 Timeline
The collapse of The Body Shop NZ began in January 2025 when the local business was placed into voluntary administration. This followed the financial woes and subsequent administration of its UK parent company in 2024. Despite efforts to find a buyer for the New Zealand arm—which was intentionally excluded from a larger international asset sale—no suitable offers materialized.
The situation deteriorated rapidly, and creditors ultimately voted to place the company into liquidation in March 2025. By April, all 16 stores were permanently closed, the website was taken offline, and customers were left with voided loyalty points and severely restricted use of gift cards. The previous owners’ debts were significant, reportedly exceeding $12 million.
This closure not only disappointed a loyal customer base, attracted by the brand’s pioneering stance on ethical sourcing and cruelty-free products, but also delivered a harsh blow to the staff and local landlords.
🚀 The Relaunch: A Fresh, Local Vision
The brand’s resurrection is founded on a new franchise agreement with The Body Shop International. Version3 Limited has purchased the rights to the business outright in New Zealand, effectively rebuilding the operation from scratch. This means the new owners inherited no existing stores, stock, or systems from the previous liquidation.
New General Manager Khan Wyman has been outspoken about the narrative surrounding the initial collapse, emphasizing that the failure was not due to product popularity or fashionability, but rather a consequence of the messy, global post-COVID-19 restructuring efforts of the former international parent company.
“The story that was out there that the general public had was that there were far larger problems than what was the truth,” Wyman stated, highlighting the massive opportunity the local team saw in reviving a beloved brand that still resonated strongly with Kiwi consumers.
The new ownership structure is seen as a crucial advantage. With decision-making centralized locally, the new Body Shop NZ will be far more agile and responsive to the specific demands of the New Zealand market, avoiding the complex financial structures that ultimately sunk the previous iteration.
📍 The First Store and Future Expansion
The official relaunch is imminent, marking a major milestone for the new owners. The first store of the rejuvenated brand is confirmed to open in Nelson’s Richmond Mall by mid-November, perfectly timed to capitalize on the crucial Christmas shopping season.
Beyond Nelson, the new owners have confirmed ambitious plans for expansion, with eyes already set on major centers that historically provided a strong customer base. Auckland and Christchurch are high on the list for future store locations.
Crucially, the new entity has also rebuilt its website and e-commerce platform from the ground up, ensuring the brand can immediately cater to its nationwide digital customer base. This digital platform is already live, marking the first retail presence of the new Body Shop.
The revival also offers a chance for the 70 former permanent staff to return. The new owners have expressed hope that the serious passion and product knowledge of previous employees will be brought back into the fold, ensuring the brand’s ethical ethos and high service standards are maintained.
For thousands of Kiwi customers who mourned the loss of their favourite Ginger Shampoo, Tea Tree Oil, and iconic Body Butters, the return of The Body Shop is a significant victory for ethical retail and a testament to the power of a committed local team.
