Uniqlo suspends operations in Russia in unexpected U-turn
The Japanese retailer Uniqlo is the latest international brand to suspend its Russian operations in a U-turn after pressure to take action over the war in Ukraine.
Earlier this week Fast Retailing, the clothing chain’s owner, said it intended to keep its Russian shops open because clothing was a “necessity of life”, even as a string of brands from McDonald’s and Starbucks to Burberry and Asos suspended operations in the country.
On Thursday, Fast Retailing issued a statement saying it was suspending its operations as it had “recently faced a number of difficulties, including operational challenges and the worsening of the conflict situation”.
The company said it still believed making “everyday clothing available to the general public in Russia” was part of its mission but it had become clear it could no longer continue to do so because of the difficulties involved.
“Our thoughts are with the people who are suffering today, and we will do whatever we can to support them during these very tragic times. We wish for the return of peace and stability as quickly as possible,” the company said.
Fast Retailing previously announced a donation of $10m to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, to help people fleeing Ukraine. It also said employees in Europe had been helping deliver clothing to refugees.
A host of international brands have suspended operations in Russia amid financial sanctions and public pressure in western countries to support Ukraine. Starbucks, Coca-Cola and Pepsi joined McDonald’s in pausing operations on Tuesday, as well as Netflix, Levi’s, Burberry and Ikea.
The owner of KFC and Pizza Hut said it was suspending the operations of 70 KFC company-owned restaurants in Russia and finalising an agreement to suspend all 50 Pizza
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