Former Bodycare in Royton to become nail salon - Oldham

The former Bodycare store in Royton, which closed its doors on September 5 after the company appointed administrators, is set to become a nail salon under new plans submitted to Oldham Council. The application, put forward by Atif Rauf of Sheet Anchor Investments Ltd, shows the retail layout will remain largely unchanged with ground floor retail space and first floor staff areas.

Social media has been buzzing with mixed reactions since shop fitters were spotted working in the unit. While some residents welcome any new business to prevent boarded-up shops at the entrance to Royton, others worry about market saturation given existing nail businesses in the precinct. One local commented that the existing salons are 'always rammed' while another questioned why people aren't happy shops are opening rather than closing.

The closure of Bodycare hit hard, with 32 stores across the country shutting down and 450 employees made redundant. The Royton store, also known locally as Graham's, had been a fixture in the community for years. The nail salon plans show no changes to entrances, though new signage is proposed above the doors.

The planning application states the site is currently vacant, though work has reportedly begun inside. With the application now submitted, residents will be watching closely to see if the nail salon gets approval and how it might affect existing beauty businesses in the area. For now, the precinct has one fewer empty shop, but whether this fills a gap or creates competition remains to be seen.