Jane Cundiff said the move was “a shame”, adding: “They’ve been around for so long but I think as long as they’re still employing people, they’re still making their products which are very good.”

Roger Stevens said: “I was truly shocked. The Body Shop has been a part of this town for the last 40 years. “I was very surprised.”

An Arun District Council spokesman said it was “a sad loss for Littlehampton but has no repercussions on the town”.

A spokesperson for The Body Shop said: “We would like to thank the people of Littlehampton for their love and support over the years.

“We are proud to be part of the community there and have been overwhelmed by the words of encouragement from local people in recent weeks.”

The Body Shop was founded in Kensington Gardens in 1976 by the late environmental and human rights campaigner Dame Anita Roddick.

Dame Anita and her husband Gordon sold the business to French beauty giant L’Oreal in 2006.

The new headquarters will be located at the Plus X Innovation Center near the University of Brighton.