ONE of the country’s leading discount health and beauty chains is to open a store in Trowbridge in June.

Bodycare, which sells big brand health and beauty items, is taking the unit in The Shires shopping centre formerly occupied by Sports Direct who left in August last year.

The unit is one of the anchor stores in The Shires and in a prominent position at the centre of the shopping mall.

Sarah Moore, centre manager at The Shires, said: “Bodycare will be taking the old Sports Direct unit. They are looking to open in June.

“Planning permission has been applied for to convert the first floor above the retail store into four residential flats.”

This Is Wiltshire: Bodycare is taking the former Sports Direct unit in The Shires. Bodycare is taking the former Sports Direct unit in The Shires. (Image: Bodycare)

Bodycare sells a range of more than 3,000 beauty, cosmetic and personal care products, both online and through its chain of shops nationwide.

The company, based in Leyland, Lancashire, was launched by Graham and Margaret Blackledge in 1970 on a market stall.

Bodycare now has 130 branches across the UK, predominantly in the north of England, and including two in Bristol and one in Swindon.

The company is looking to strengthen its store portfolio, with 20 new stores opening in 2024.