Lush has declared the closure of all its stores in a gesture of solidarity with Gaza amid ongoing conflict in the region. The renowned cosmetics retailer expressed empathy for the distress felt by millions witnessing the dire conditions in Gaza and announced the temporary shutdown of its outlets, website, and facilities throughout the United Kingdom.
Notices displayed in the windows of Lush’s 102 stores convey the message “Stop starving Gaza – we are closed in solidarity.” The company highlighted that this decision would result in a day of lost tax revenue for the British government from both the business and its patrons.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused to customers by the closures on September 3, Lush emphasized its commitment to providing top-notch service and understanding the shared concerns about the Gaza situation. Last year, Lush pledged to donate all proceeds from sales of its Watermelon Slice Soap toward mental health support initiatives for children in Gaza and the West Bank.
The company intends to reintroduce the fundraising soap once operations resume, redirecting the proceeds to medical services, including organizations offering prosthetic limb services to those injured in Gaza. Lush stressed the significance of its customers’ engagement with the cause and expressed gratitude for their contributions to child mental health support in Palestine.
In addition to the economic impact on the UK government due to the closures, Lush’s action aims to draw attention to the need for governmental intervention to halt the violence and arms sales contributing to the conflict. While the closures are limited to the UK, Lush expects similar demonstrations of support from its international branches as they explore avenues to showcase solidarity.
Following terrorist attacks in October 2023 that resulted in casualties and hostage situations, Israel initiated its current campaign in Gaza. Subsequent attacks have led to a significant loss of lives, as reported by the territory’s health ministry. Concerns over a worsening famine have prompted various nations, including the UK, to pledge humanitarian aid for the region.