The British beauty brand The Body Shop has unveiled its first outlet at the Nairobi Village Market through an exclusive franchisee, The Mask Retailers.

The global beauty company that retails over 800 products targets the growing demand for sustainably produced beauty products.

Speaking during the launch on Friday, the Body Shop EMEA & LatAm Franchise Business Director Sarah Jackson disclosed plans to launch an e-commerce platform in 2023 to enable consumers in the East Africa region easier access to their products.

Further, she said that the Kenyan consumer deeply cares about how ethically and socially conscious a business is across its entire value chain and also value for their money.

“The Body Shop is bringing the consumer over 800 products that meet their need for high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, hair care, and make-up, produced ethically and sustainably,” she said.

The Body Shop started sourcing tea tree oil from the foothills of Mount Kenya and the east coast region, working with the Kutoka Ardhini (‘from the ground’ in Swahili) group that supplies the key ingredient from a network of over 1,000 farmers. In 2020.

This is implemented through Community Fair Trade programme that helps producers gain market access and invest in social and environmental projects that benefit their communities.

Additionally, Jackson said that more than 13,500 farmers, producers, and artisans are part of the Community Fair Trade programme globally.

Jackson also said that the Body Shop Kenya store has been designed around the brand’s strategy to minimize its environmental footprint, built with reclaimed wood and recycled plastics destined for landfill.

“The facade is made from zinc/aluminium-low energy metal that is infinitely recyclable and worktops are 100% recycled wood. Customers can also purchase a refillable 300ml aluminium bottle and fill it up with any of 12 brand’s bestloved shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and hand washes.” she said.

Besides supporting farmers in the community, The Body Shop has announced that it is running an activism campaign dubbed ‘Be Seen. Be Heard’, to amplify young voices in the halls of power this festive season.