2025-09-03T13:39:32Z

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Imagine walking past your favorite cosmetics store, only to find it closed, with a powerful message demanding justice: "Stop starving Gaza." That's exactly what happened when Lush, the beloved bath bomb retailer, shut down its UK operations for a day in a striking protest against the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The move comes as Lush aims to raise awareness about the dire situation where countless individuals are facing starvation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adamantly denied the existence of famine, claiming that any hunger is due to failures on the part of aid agencies and Hamas. Yet, the reality is grim. A report from the world's leading hunger monitor revealed that half a million people in Gaza City are suffering from severe food shortages, a situation they described as "entirely man-made."

Lush’s decision to close all of its stores and online platforms for just one day may seem drastic, but it resonates deeply with many of its customers who share similar concerns. The company announced this powerful act of solidarity on its website, which now prominently displays the message “closed in solidarity.” They hope this bold statement will prompt the UK government to take immediate action to halt the suffering, including an end to arms sales to Israel.

While acknowledging that this decision could impact their business, Lush emphasized the importance of prioritizing humanitarian needs over profits. They expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and highlighted that their day of closure would also mean a lost day of tax revenue for the UK government.

As the conflict escalates, with reports indicating over 63,000 lives lost in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack, the stakes have never been higher. Lush’s actions reflect a growing movement among businesses to take a stand on global issues, using their platforms to advocate for change. Will more companies follow suit? Only time will tell.

Lush, known for its eco-friendly approach and unique products, operates in over 50 countries and has 104 shops in the UK and Ireland. They have hinted at the possibility of similar closures in other parts of the world, indicating that this protest may just be the beginning of a broader movement.