The Body Shop to close

Claim parking charges discouraging shoppers

A familiar shop in the high street is to close its doors in the Island after a quarter of a century.

The Body Shop, which forms part of the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas, will shut next month.

The group has decided not to renew its lease when it comes up for renewal.

Strand bosses have called it a ‘devastating’ blow with competition from internet sales and poor footfall during regeneration works cited as factors.

It also says an increase in car parking charges has discouraged shoppers from coming into town.