Bodycare has announced it has secured a new investment round led by venture capital firm Arāya Ventures to support the expansion of its AI-powered retail platform and rollout of its new format studio stores.

The funding round also includes entrepreneur Dilesh Mehta and a syndicate of investors with experience across retail, consumer brands, technology, and business growth. The size of the investment was not disclosed.

The health and beauty retailer said the investment will accelerate the rollout of its Studio Store format, alongside further development of its proprietary AI platform and creator-led commerce strategy.

At the centre of the strategy is AIMEE, Bodycare's proprietary AI platform, which analyses customer behaviour, product trends, pricing, inventory levels, and creator performance to support real-time business decisions.

Bodycare said it is using AI across merchandising, pricing, supply chain optimisation, customer insights, and operational efficiency, while combining physical retail with content creation and community-focused experiences.

The announcement follows the launch of Bodycare's first studio Sstore in Sheffield, which the retailer said has exceeded trading expectations. New Studio Stores are due to open in Derby and Leicester later this month as part of a wider national rollout.

The retailer said its studio store concept combines health and beauty products with exclusive brands, creator studios, live social commerce broadcasts, and expert-led services to create a more engaging in-store shopping experience.

Charles Denton, chief executive and executive chairman of Bodycare, said the investment brings together a group of investors who understand how technology, AI and new customer behaviour are changing the retail industry

"Consumers increasingly discover products through creators, expect outstanding value without compromise and still want the experience of shopping in person building human connections,” he added. “Bodycare has been built to bring those worlds together.

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