Lush closes all UK stores and websites amid one-day protests in Gaza crisis
High Street Cosmetics Chain Lush closed all UK stores, factories and their websites in a day-long protest against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Dorset-based company said the gesture was conducted on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 as an act of solidarity, with shop windows across the UK showing the message: “Stop hungry Gaza – we are united.”
“Over the entire lush business, we share images of millions of people who feel hungry in Gaza. One thing Lush can send to Gaza at the moment is our love and a strong message of our unity,” Lush said in a statement.
The company apologized to customers who were closed for inconvenience, but said many people were concerned about the situation in Gaza.
Lush has faced criticism for his political stance. In 2023, one of its Dublin shops showed off a “Boycott Israel” poster, which the company was later described as an isolated incident. At the time, Lush emphasized that it was a diversified company with its official position of “repentance of all violence and all injustice” and providing human rights to Israelis and Palestinians.
Founded in 1995, Lush has grown into 951 stores in 52 countries. The company is known for its ethical and activist stance, and has previously shut down some social media channels, saying it wants to create a safer environment for its users.
As part of its latest campaign, Lush announced the reboot of its watermelon-sliced soap, now benefits for Palestine health care, including preparations for prosthetics for adults and children injured in the conflict.
The company noted that ending a day means losing not only its own income, but also losing its tax contribution to the UK government. “We hope they also hear our closures convey a message and more government actions are needed to stop deaths and destruction immediately, including ending arms sales in the UK,” the statement said.
Lush added that while the closure began in the UK where the business was established, other countries in the brand deal could take similar actions.
The statement was signed: “Peace and Solidarity.”
Amy Ingham
Amy is a newly qualified journalist specializing in business news affairs and is responsible for news content and is now the largest source of print and online business news in the UK.
