// Uniqlo’s parent company Fast Retailing has defended its decision to keep its Russian stores open while rafts of retailers shut down their operations in the country
// A Fast Retailing spokesman said the company would “continue to monitor the situation” but there were “no plans as of now to suspend our operations.”
On March 7, the parent company of Japanese retail giant Uniqlo defended its decision to keep Russian stores open even as rivals including Zara and H&M and more suspended operations in the country following its invasion of Ukraine.
Tadashi Yanai, president of Uniqlo operator Fast Retailing, said the conflict should not deprive people in Russia of clothing, a basic human need.
“There should never be war. Every country should oppose it. This time all of Europe clearly opposes the war and has shown its support for Ukraine. Any attempt to divide the world will, on the contrary, strengthen unity,” he said in a statement.
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“Clothing is a necessity of life. The people of Russia have the same right to live as we do,” Yanai added.
There are 49 Uniqlo stores in Russia. A Fast Retailing spokesman said the company would “continue to monitor the situation” but there were “no plans as of now to suspend our operations.”
Fast Retailing said on Friday it would donate $10 million and 200,000 items of clothing to the UN refugee agency to support people forced to flee in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
An increasing number of major companies are suspending business activities in Russia while Western governments impose sanctions to pressure President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.
Spanish clothing giant Inditex, which owns Zara, said Saturday it would temporarily close hundreds of shops in Russia as well as the group’s online store.
“Given the current circumstances, Inditex cannot guarantee the continuity of operations and business conditions in the Russian Federation,” it said.
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2 Comments. Leave new
This is outrageous! Uniqlo, you are going to lose any civilised customers through supporting the aggressor’s economy.
I certainly won’t be buying from Uniqlo in the UK anymore . Sounds like they want to cash in on all the other brands pulling out.