“Stop Starving Gaza”: UK Retailer Lush Shuts Stores and Factory in Solidarity Amid Ongoing Israeli Genocide
London (Quds News Network)- UK retail firm Lush has closed its shops across the country, along with its website and factory, for one day in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in response to the ongoing Israeli genocide that has killed more than 60,000 people, most of them women and children, and the Israeli-made famine.
In a statement, Lush said one thing it can currently send into Gaza is “our love and a strong message that we stand in solidarity”.
“This will take the form of halting business-as-usual by shutting our UK shops, website and factories for one day on Wednesday 3rd September 2025, with our shop windows displaying the message STOP STARVING GAZA – WE ARE CLOSED IN SOLIDARITY,” the statement added.
The cosmetic brand noted that it hoped the UK government would hear the message its closure sends, with more government action needed to bring an immediate “stop to the death and destruction,” including an end to arms sales from the UK.
“Whilst Lush is losing a day of takings, this also means that the UK Government is losing a day of tax contributions from Lush and our customers,” the statement said.
On its website, Lush, which was initially founded in the UK but trades in at least 50 countries, shared a message, showing, “Stop Starving Gaza, we are closed in solidarity.”
The company said that its Palestine-focussed fundraising product, Watermelon Slice soap, has been the most successful single fundraising product in its history, with profits going towards mental health services for children in Gaza and the West Bank.
In an interview with LBC radio, the co-founder Mark Constantine said the company’s estimated losses as a result of the closure would be about £300,000. While offering his support for the decision, he added: “It would be nice to be able to pay for food to go into Gaza, rather than just sacrificing [profits].”
The statement released on the Lush website asks for customers’ forgiveness for any inconvenience, but says that “many of our customers share the same anxiety about the situation in Gaza”.
Since the start of Israel’s assault on Gaza, several companies have taken action, ranging from shutting down operations and relocating offices to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Countries including the UK, France, and Belgium have announced plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Several nations have also imposed sanctions on Israel and suspended arms exports, while others have labeled the war in Gaza a “genocide.”
