WINCHESTER’S Body Shop has dodged a bullet, as it has been confirmed that the branch will stay open.

This follows announcements today that 75 stores nationwide will close, with  last week seven sites  targeted for closure after the company entered administration.

Winchester is among 116 Body Shop stores which will remain open.

Hampshire Chronicle: The Body Shop on Winchester High StreetThe Body Shop on Winchester High Street (Image: Adele Bouchard)

The 75 branches of the cosmetic company will close over the next four to six weeks, with 489 staff made redundant.

READ MORE: ‘It’s unsurprising’: High Street shoppers react to Body Shop entering administration

Joint administrator Tony Wright 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.”

As previously reported, Winchester's Body Shop was refurbished in April, doubling its refillable station, to be more sustainable.