The return of The Body Shop to Bermuda is official and the store has opened with the global brand’s repertoire of products.Housed in what was formerly the fragrance section of Brown & Co’s Front Street entrance, the newly redesigned space offers more than 1,200 products, including skin care, make up, fragrances and more.Bermuda again joins the global company that has more than 2,700 stores in over 66 countries.Brown & Co had begun selling a limited selection of The Body Shop products in the few weeks before Christmas but next week will hold an official grand opening.The store-in-store concept encompasses a large portion of Brown & Co’s ground floor.The space has been transformed to reflect the new, updated Body Shop store concept with reclaimed wood shelving and a clean, modern look that are seen in other, more recent stores, around the world.There are also images of nature and earth-related concepts reflecting The Body Shop’s commitment to using natural ingredients produced by fair trade suppliers and recycled product packaging as well as their stance against animal testing.The Body Shop International was founded by late British entrepreneur Dame Anita Roddick in 1976. The first store opened in Brighton with just 25 hand-mixed toiletry products.“Everything was made to spec and the staff have been trained to The Body Shop standards,” said Brown & Co general manager Nicole Warren.The store had a soft opening last week and so far has received positive feedback.“Business has been very, very consistent and gets stronger every day,” said Ms Warren.The area of the store was roped off while the installation took place which helped to create some anticipation.“We’re really pleased with the response we have received so far,” she added.The Body Shop had been in Bermuda for 25 years until 2011 when retailer Ellen Brown closed down the store in the Washington Mall. As a brand that has been in Bermuda a long time, hopes are high that the new store will find success.“We have a commitment to The Body Shop and we have high expectations,” said Ms Warren. “We have invested a lot to secure The Body Shop at Brown & Co. It is a very stable brand that is very important to us and important to have in the store. It’s a global brand that appeals to both women and men. Customers are very familiar with it and have an allegiance to the products.”The store’s eight full and part-time staff underwent a four-day training session in November when the original announcement was made and then completed another two-day training course last month. The staff is now trained about The Body Shop’s core values and how to recommend and apply the products on customers. The new store features table displays that encourage staff and customer interaction and discussion.“It’s a look good, feel good and do good concept,” said department manager of The Body Shop for Brown & Co, Nichol Gift of the company’s quest to provide high quality products that are not only earth friendly but also promote fair trade practices.The grand opening of the store will be held on Saturday, March 16. Radio personality Nikita Robinson, who is also an avid advocate of philanthropic initiatives, will be on site along with DJ Bitsy from 12 to 4pm. Customers will enjoy in-store sampling, giveaways and gifts with purchase.Brown & Co is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30am-6pm, Fridays until 8pm. Sunday from 1-5pm.