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High street beauty retailer Lush has shuttered all of its UK outlets, production facilities, and its website in a single-day demonstration concerning the humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
The Dorset-based firm expressed that the action, executed on Wednesday 3 September 2025, was meant as a sign of solidarity, with storefronts throughout the UK showcasing the message: “Stop starving Gaza – we are closed in solidarity.”
In a declaration, Lush stated: “Throughout the Lush organization we share the grief that millions of individuals experience upon seeing the visuals of starving people in Gaza. One thing Lush can presently deliver to Gaza is our affection and a powerful message that we stand in solidarity.”
The company extended its apologies to clients inconvenienced by the closure but indicated that many of them echoed its concerns regarding the situation in Gaza.
Lush has earlier encountered backlash for its political viewpoints. In 2023, one of its Dublin locations showcased a “Boycott Israel” sign, which the company later referred to as an isolated occurrence. At that moment, Lush emphasized its diverse nature and that its official stance was to “denounce all violence and all injustice” while advocating for human rights for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Established in 1995 in Poole, Dorset, Lush has expanded to run 951 outlets in 52 nations. Renowned for its ethical and activist positions, the company has previously ceased some of its social media platforms, stating it desired to foster a safer environment for users.
As part of its recent initiative, Lush announced the reintroduction of its Watermelon Slice soap, with earnings now directed towards medical services in Palestine, including charities preparing to provide prosthetic limbs for both adults and children affected in the conflict.
The company noted that closing for a day resulted in losing not only its own revenue but also tax contributions to the UK government. “We hope they too understand the message our closure conveys, with greater Government intervention required to halt the loss of life and devastation, including ceasing arms sales from the UK,” the statement indicated.
Lush added that while the closure originated in Britain, where the business was established, similar actions might occur in other nations where the brand operates.
The statement concluded: “Peace and Solidarity.”
Amy Ingham
Amy is a newly certified journalist focused on business reporting at Business Matters, responsible for news content for what is now the UK’s most extensive print and online source of current business news.
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