The Body Shop: Eco-Shoppers on the Increase in Canada

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Aug 27 (MARKET WIRE) --
A new survey released today by ethical beauty retailer, The Body Shop,
indicates that in spite of the tough economic climate, ethics are as
important as price with today's increasingly eco-conscious consumers.

In Canada the findings revealed that 77% of consumers are making more
purchasing choices based on the corporate behaviour and ethics of a
company than they were five years ago and 40% of those polled say that
they make those decisions on a weekly basis.

Other findings included:

- 68% of respondents cite quality of goods and trust in the brand as
their criteria for buying a product

- 34% say they purchase based on the ethical reputation of a company

- 35% say price and value is their criteria for purchase

Shelley Simmons, Director of Brand & Values Initiatives for The Body Shop
in North America said of the findings: "A growing number of people are
demanding more from the businesses that produce and sell the goods they
buy. Not only do they feel they have the right to a high quality product,
they want to know that the company they buy from is transparent and
honest about how those goods reach the shelves."

"They want the story behind the product that assures them that the
company has treated its suppliers fairly and that it has done its best to
take into account its impact on the environment; and that perhaps someone
has actually benefited from the manufacture of that product."

"The retail world is going to have to take notice of this powerful group
of consumers. If they respond to the expectations of the eco-shopper
everyone will benefit: Customers, suppliers, the planet and the
businesses themselves. It is a win-win for everyone."

More than 9,600 consumers across the US and Canada took part in the
survey during July 2008.

To encourage shoppers to "think ethical" when they purchase The Body Shop
is launching a new initiative on Facebook to sign a "Together & Fair"
Pledge. By signing up to the Together & Fair Pledge supporters make a
commitment to tell at least one person a week about a new ethical product
or service they have discovered.

Ms. Simmons added: "The power of the internet and word of mouth is
immense. We know from our findings that personal recommendations amongst
friends, families and colleagues are extremely effective."

"Our instinct is that there are many more people out there who would make
ethical purchasing decisions if they had the information easily at hand."

"After all, we all have busy lives - our jobs, our children and families
- and it can be difficult to find time to discover who is genuinely
taking the ethical lead. Our new Facebook launch will encourage people to
spread the word on retailers and businesses who are doing their best to
support ethical initiatives that protect the planet and animals, stand up
for human rights issues, support fair trade initiatives and make a
positive difference. "

The Body Shop Together & Fair Pledge initiative launches on September 3,
2008

Signatories to the Pledge will be updated on the growing number of
eco-consumers who commit to spread the word.

Founded in 1976 by a social and environmental activist, Dame Anita
Roddick, on the basis of being a business model of positive social
change, The Body Shop has been a pioneer of ethic behaviour in the beauty
industry and beyond. The company has campaigned on causes ranging from
the protection of whales and rainforests to human trafficking, promoting
self-esteem, domestic violence and HIV and AIDS.

This year, The Body Shop celebrates 21 years of its Community Trade
program, an initiative dedicated to providing a fair deal to suppliers in
some of the poorest areas of the world. With Community Trade ingredients
and accessories featuring across more than 60% of The Body Shop stores,
the program benefits more than 25,000 people across the world.

From September there will be a new look to The Body Shop stores and
online channels. Visually impactful, celebratory and informative, the new
look communicates The Body Shop philosophy and its commitment to
providing customers with high quality products as well as the chance to
make a positive difference in the world.

Notes to Editors:

The Body Shop International plc is the original ethical cosmetics
company, now operating more than 2,500 stores in over 60 markets
worldwide. We strive to use our planet's resources wisely, searching for
outstanding natural materials and ingredients from across the globe to
include in our range of products. We continue to lead the way, sourcing
sustainable palm oil, introducing 100% recycled packaging, and raising
funds and awareness to help prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS, and
continuing to support suppliers in some of the poorest areas of the world
through our Community Trade fair trade program.

For over 30 years The Body Shop has believed that business has the power
to make the right kind of difference to the world. Our unique philosophy
continues to drive everything we do, inviting our customers around the
world to become 'activists', simply by choosing from our range of
products. As Dame Anita Roddick said: "Activism isn't listed on The Body
Shop labels as an ingredient, but it is there as surely as the bergamot
and hemp oil".

The Body Shop around the clock

We've got all your favourite products to help enhance your natural beauty
for 24/7 shopping, delivered direct to your door. Shopping with The Body
Shop online couldn't be any easier. Visit www.thebodyshop.ca.

The Survey:

9,600 people took part in the Together &Fair survey during July 2008,
with 6,442 respondents in the US, and 3,158 in Canada.

Contacts:
Strategic Objectives
Adriana Lurz
O: (416) 366-7735 x 267
Email: alurz@strategicobjectives.com

The Body Shop
Laura Regu
C: (647) 242-8922
Email: Laura.regu@thebodyshop.ca
Website: www.thebodyshop.ca

Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-