// L’Occitane keeps stores open in Russia despite Ukraine invasion
// Despite backlash, the cosmetics firm said it could not take the “risk” of closing its shops
L’Occitane has decided to keep its stores in Russia open despite the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The French cosmetics retailer discussed closing its stores “at length” but said it had not because it wanted to protect staff from potential “retaliation”.
Although it has stopped shipping to Russia, its ecommerce channel still appears to be operational.
A L’Occitane spokeswoman told the BBC: “At this point we cannot guarantee that our 700 employees in Russia will not face retaliation if we cease to operate in the country.
“We are particularly concerned for those of our employees who have relatives in Ukraine or who are of Ukrainian descent.
“At the same time, we are firmly committed to our partners and their employees in Ukraine.”
READ MORE: Live updates: The retailers pulling out of Russia – from Uniqlo to John Lewis Partnership
Swathes of western brands such as John Lewis and Next have pulled out of Russia in the wake of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Some people have expressed their concerns on Twitter over L’Occitane’s decision to stay open in Russia and have called for a boycott of the brand.
Ok ladies and makeup wearing gents, time to wield the power of the purse and boycott this corporate clown.
Beauty firm L'Occitane keeps Russian stores open https://t.co/GK79Ci8p4P
— Paul Morgan (@pau1m0rgan) April 14, 2022
The cosmetics firm, which has spas and stores in Russian cities including Moscow and St Petersburg, said it could not take the “risk” of closing its shops.
The firm said it strongly condemned Russia’s “unjustified and unprovoked” invasion and had significantly scaled back its operations in Russia, suspending its investment plans and all shipments into the country.
Tweeting a picture of a L’Occitane product one customer said: “I’ve used this cream for years, never again. Even if they back out, they’ve showed their corporate integrity.”
https://twitter.com/MickusMaddus/status/1513128500760387586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1513128500760387586%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fbusiness-61096823
Stop operating to Russia
Stop paying taxes to Putin
Stop funding Putin's genocide in Ukraine
Otherwise prepare for a #BoycottLOccitane campaignhttps://t.co/1CIQxmYAPP
— A1_bloke (@a1_bloke) April 14, 2022
Retail Gazette has approached L’Occitane for comment.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
