NEWTON Abbot’s Body Shop store is to close within six weeks, it has been announced. 

It is one of 75 stores due to close within weeks, administrators have said. 

The 75 store closures will see the loss of 489 jobs. 

The high street beauty retailer went into adminstration earlier this month.

Administrators from FRP Advisory said the latest closures will take place over the next four to six weeks as part of a heavy restructuring aimed at preserving the brand.

Last week, the retailer shut seven shops in its first phase of restructuring after confirming plans to close nearly half of its then-198 UK outlets.

The latest announcement will leave the retail firm with 116 stores across the UK.

The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by the late Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon as one of the first companies to promote so-called ethical consumerism, focusing on ethically produced cosmetics and skincare products.

Private equity firm Aurelius took over the business after buying The Body Shop for £207 million in November.

Tony Wright, joint administrator, said: ‘In taking swift action to right-size The Body Shop UK store portfolio, we have stabilised the business and are providing the best opportunity for this iconic brand to have a long-term, sustainable future.

‘The UK business continues to trade in administration, and we remain fully focused on exploring all options to take the business forward.’