The trade partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom received a boost as The Body Shop, a global ethical beauty brand, officially opened its first store in Lagos at the Ikeja City Mall.
The new outlet marks the brand’s second physical presence in Nigeria following its Abuja debut, underscoring both its confidence in the West African market and the deepening commercial collaboration between the two nations.
According to a statement by the British High Commission, the new outlet, which officially opened on Friday, follows the successful debut of its Abuja store and national e-commerce site launched earlier in the year, marking a major step in the brand’s West African growth strategy.
It noted that Lagos store brings The Body Shop’s job creation in Nigeria to over 20 and features its full product range, including the Spa of the World collection, customer favourites, and formulations enriched with Community Fair Trade ingredients such as shea butter, tea tree, and aloe.
“Designed around the brand’s core message that ‘confidence is beautiful,’ the Lagos store promises a holistic, interactive experience.
“Visitors will be welcomed through its signature dark green façade into an inviting space where expert consultants guide them through product selections, skin consultations, and even offer complimentary hand massages and treatments”, the statement read.
Speaking at the official launch event held at his residence in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner, hailed the store’s opening as a reflection of growing UK-Nigeria business ties.
“The Body Shop’s arrival in Lagos marks more than a business expansion; it’s a powerful symbol of the deepening UK-Nigeria trade relationship.
“With bilateral trade now at £7.9 billion and rising, Nigeria stands as the UK’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and our leading export market on the continent”, Baxter said.
He also commended Shalom Ijeoma Lloyd, MBE, the franchise’s General Manager and a British-Nigerian entrepreneur, describing her as “a shining example of purpose-driven leadership that bridges innovation, sustainability, and women’s empowerment.”
On his part, Mike Jatania, CEO and Executive Chairman of The Body Shop, said the Lagos expansion was a key milestone in the company’s broader international strategy.
“Expanding into Lagos marks another step in The Body Shop’s global growth strategy. As we expand our presence across high-potential markets, West Africa plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our business.
“Lagos, as a dynamic commercial hub, allows us to connect with a new generation of consumers who share our belief that beauty can be a force for good”, Jatania stated.
For Lloyd, the store’s opening represents both economic opportunity and cultural alignment.
“This is not just about opening a store, it is about deepening trade ties, creating opportunities, and showing the world what happens when values-driven business meets one of the most vibrant cities on earth,” she said.
“The Body Shop’s African connections trace back to its late founder, Dame Anita Roddick, who forged strong partnerships across the continent decades ago.
“Today, the company continues to source key ingredients through its Community Fair Trade network, including tea tree oil from smallholder farmers in Kenya, shea butter handcrafted by women’s cooperatives in Ghana, and moringa seed oil harvested in Rwanda.
“By prioritising fair trade and sustainable sourcing, The Body Shop remains committed to empowering women and supporting local communities while promoting conscious beauty practices worldwide”, she added.
According to the Commission, founded in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a pioneer in ethical beauty.
“The brand offers high-quality skincare, body care, haircare, and makeup products made from natural and fair-trade ingredients sourced globally”, it noted.
