‘Social Change’ concept Body Shop store opens at Oshawa Centre

There are countless places to buy beauty products, but how many encourage customers to show up and be a part of social change? The Body Shop is creating a local destination for changemakers with new Workshop stores that call back to the retailer’s activist roots.

At four new locations across Canada, including a Store in the Oshawa Centre that opened Friday, customers can moisturize their hands, learn about sustainability and take action – whether that be signing a petition or engaging with the store’s local community efforts – all at the same time.

The other three concept stores – Market Mall in Calgary (August 26), Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby (November 11) and West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton (November 18) will open later in the year, following the brand’s initial Workshop concept launch in Vancouver in 2020.

The retailer aims to create an environment that goes beyond that of a traditional store and allows visitors to be immersed in the rich stories of the people and hard-working ingredients behind its products. The Oshawa Centre opening coincides with the recent relaunch of The Body Shop’s best selling Vitamin C skincare range. The new and improved line features concentrations of up to 10% and is made with at least 90% ingredients of natural origin including Amazonian camu camu berry extract and bakuchiol.

Across the world, The Body Shop’s Workshop stores are designed to reflect the local communities they serve and bring to life issues and stories that are important to them. In Oshawa, The Body Shop partnered with @KingChrrie, a young local multimedia artist and environmental activist, to create a window mural inspired by the brand’s ‘Be Seen. Be Heard.’ activism campaign, which highlights the involvement of youth in public life from voting to taking up leadership positions in the community.

The August 12 launch at the Oshawa Centre also featured a refill station, activism-inspired treats, Vitamin C-inspired drinks, music by a local DJ, as well as giveaways and store tours during the day for those who weren’t able to make the evening launch.

“To a lot of people, the concept of ‘changing the world’ can sound a bit abstract. With our workshop stores, we want to bring people together to realize that they can be changemakers and are capable of making small changes that could benefit our communities and the planet. From our refill stations to our new Wellness body care range, customers will get to shop the products that make them feel good, while also doing good. These stores are the ultimate changemaking beauty experience,” said Hilary Lloyd, VP of Marketing and Corporate Responsibility for The Body Shop North America. “Our stores and products have always been, and always will be, a way to connect people to environmental and social justice issues.”