The Body Shop is set to open a new depot store in Braintree, creating 12 jobs.

The natural cosmetic giant plans to open its third depot store in the country at Freeport Factory Village.

Body Shop bosses say the store is expected to be larger than its usual High Street outlets and hope to be open by the end of summer.

They are in final discussions with Freeport Leisure about a move to the Chapel Hill complex.

The firm has already started advertising for manager, assistant manager and sales advisers for the outlet.

Body Shop new business manager David Abrahamson said the store would be selling "old favourites" with discontinued lines at discounted prices.

He said: "We have had many letters from people in Braintree asking us why we aren't represented in the area. We have started to advertise now so that we have the staff in place by the time we open.

"We are initially looking to take on 12 people but we expect this to increase significantly as business takes off and as we approach Christmas."

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