Lush Shuts Down UK Operations for a Day in Solidarity with Gaza
In a powerful gesture of protest and compassion, cosmetics retailer Lush temporarily closed all of its more than 100 stores across the United Kingdom, including its website and factories, for a full day. The move was intended to raise awareness of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urge the UK government to take stronger action.
A Message with Impact
Every storefront prominently displayed the slogan “STOP STARVING GAZA, WE ARE CLOSED IN SOLIDARITY.”, while the website was replaced with a black screen featuring the same message.
Lush made it clear the closure was a deliberate effort to disrupt “business-as-usual,” sending “our love and a strong message that we stand in solidarity.”
Costly Conviction
The company estimated losses of £350,000 in sales and £300,000 in staff wages due to the shutdown.
Lush also emphasized that this decision meant a day’s worth of tax revenue was withheld from the UK government, underscoring both the economic and symbolic weight of their protest.
Purpose: Beyond Profit
Lush urged the UK government to end arms sales to Israel and halt the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza.
The company framed its bold stance within the context of growing international concern, including UN warnings about famine, malnutrition, and restricted humanitarian access in Gaza.
A Consistent Voice in Activism
This protest fits into Lush’s longstanding reputation for activism. The brand has a history of championing global causes, from animal rights and environmental protection to social justice initiatives.
Recent efforts also include fundraising campaigns like the “Watermelon Slice” soap, whose profits support child mental health services in Palestine.