Lush closes all UK stores "in solidarity with Gaza"
They have also replaced their website with a political statement.
The cosmetic giant Lush has abruptly closed all stores across the UK today (Wednesday 3rd September), to protest against the Israeli government's stance and actions towards the people of Gaza.
The closures include the five stores located within Greater Manchester: Manchester Arndale, Manchester Market Street, Trafford Centre, Rock Shopping Centre, Market Place Shopping Centre.
Their UK website has also been updated to simply show a large text banner that says "STOP STARVING GAZA", with further text below it and a link to a political statement. In the statement, among many other things, they ask for forgiveness from their customers who may have been inconvenienced.
They also say that the UK Government will lose a day of tax contributions from the closed stores, and they "hope they too hear the message". The statement goes on to ask for an end to arms sales from the UK.
Lush have also physically displayed the "STOP STARVING GAZA" message in their closed shop windows.
Lush, originally from Poole, is a major retailer of vegetarian and vegan cosmetics. On their corporate site they claim that 95% of their all-year round products are vegan. Aside from the five Greater Manchester stores mentioned above, they maintain a large presence across the country, including lots of nearby locations like Chester, Sheffield, Leeds, and Preston. In 2019 they opened their biggest ever store in Liverpool.
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