1. Do the low buyback prices offered to U.S. franchisees reflect poor Body Shop ethics or just the economic reality of risky investments?
2. In The Shop still regarded today as a socially responsible and ethical firm? Research the answer to this question and be prepared to report your findings.
3. At the end of these cases, what is your impression of Anita Roddick? Comment on her strengths and weaknesses and a businessperson and a leader. Was the sale of the company to L’Oréal an indication that Roddick’s philosophy had finally failed?
4. What will be the likely longer-term impact on The Body Shop’s values and priorities under the leadership of L’Oréal and upon Anita Roddick’s death? Would it be in L’Oréal’s best interests to leave the company alone and let it go in the direction Anita had provided it, or should it be brought more into the mainstream of the company?