London: Cosmetics giant Lush closed all its UK stores, website, and factories for a full day on Wednesday in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Storefronts carried bold messages reading, “Stop starving Gaza, we are closed in solidarity.”
In a statement, by the NZ Herald , the company expressed deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza:
“Across the Lush business, we share the anguish that millions of people feel seeing the images of starving people in Gaza, Palestine. Like the rest of the world, we struggle to find ways we can help whilst the Israeli government is preventing urgent humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza.”
As part of its campaign, Lush announced the relaunch of its Watermelon Slice soap, the most successful fundraising product in its history. Previously, sales of this soap supported child mental health initiatives in Palestine. The company confirmed that proceeds from the relaunch will now be directed toward medical services and charities providing prosthetic limb support for adults and children injured in Gaza.
Acknowledging the financial impact of its decision, Lush said it had incurred losses estimated between £300,000 and £350,000 from the one-day shutdown but emphasized that staff were still paid their full wages. The company highlighted that this closure also meant the UK government lost a day of tax revenue.
“More Government action is needed to bring an immediate stop to the death and destruction, including an end to arms sales from the UK,” the statement added.
Lush, which operates in over 50 countries, noted that branches outside the UK are also considering similar solidarity actions. Stores in the Republic of Ireland are set to close on Thursday as part of the campaign.
The company’s move drew widespread praise on social media, with users calling it an act of “corporate responsibility in action.” Many pledged to support the brand upon reopening.
