Major British magnificence retailer saved simply weeks after web site mysteriously shut down
The website was taken offline days prior and replaced with a message for customers. The chain stated ‘we’ll Be Back Soon. BEAUTY BAY is offline right now, we’ll be back shortly’
It has been saved(Image: Asia-Pacific Images Studio via Getty Images)
A major UK beauty retailer has been saved just weeks after it’s website mysteriously went offline. Beauty Bay, a stockist of popular brands such as Clinique and Mac, filed the notice to appoint insolvency practitioners last month, leaving bosses with 10 days to figure out a plan moving forward.
The firm, owned by brothers Arron and David Gabbie, was said to be on he hunt for new investors, according to reports. A spokesman said at the time: “Like many other companies operating across the retail space, we’ve been battling hard in the face of strong headwinds over the past 12 months. Cost inflation and fragile consumer confidence have had a heavy impact on consumer spending.
“Over recent weeks, we’ve been working closely with our stakeholders to find a path forward, including exploring options for sale and investment, with the aim of putting in place a stable financial platform upon which we can continue to build.”
The website was taken offline days prior and replaced with a message for customers. The chain stated: “We’ll Be Back Soon. BEAUTY BAY is offline right now, we’ll be back shortly..”
Around 65 employees are on the payroll of the beauty retailer, which is believed to have catered to five million customers.
And now, after around a week of talks, the company founded in 19999 has been bought by French-owned AA Investments Group via a pre-pack transaction.
Joint administrator Rick Harrison said: “Since its inception in 1999, Beauty Bay has grown to become one of the UK’s leading online beauty retailers, selling well-known cosmetics and cult brands to over five million customers. We’re pleased to have concluded this transaction which will see the brand continue under new ownership, and wish everyone connected with the business all the best for the future.”
All 62 employees have been kept on, while joint-founder Arron Gabbi staying on for a “short period to facilitate a transition to the new owners”.
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