Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo announced on the 10th (local time) that it will suspend operations in Russia. It overturned the recent announcement that it would remain in Russia despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Fast Retailing, which operates Uniqlo, announced in a statement that it will suspend operations in Russia, saying, “We have faced various difficulties, including recent operational challenges and worsening conflict conditions.” “Fast-tailing strongly opposes any hostile acts,” the company said. “We condemn all forms of attacks that violate human rights and threaten the peaceful existence of individuals.” Uniqlo operates 49 stores in Russia.
Earlier, Tadashi Yanai, the founder of the company, told Japanese media on the 7th, “Clothes are daily necessities. “Russian people have the same right to live like us,” he said, expressing his intention to continue operating in Russia, drawing criticism from consumers. This is because major global companies, including Zara and H&M, which are the same clothing companies, are suspending operations while criticizing Russia’s war.
Since Russia began invading Ukraine on the 24th of last month, global companies have been “withdrawing Russia” in almost all areas. Food and beverage companies such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCola, as well as credit card companies Visa, MasterCard, automakers Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, General Motors, aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus announced that they would suspend operations in Russia. Apple also stopped selling iPhones in Russia, and Facebook, a social media company, blocked access to Russian state-run media. BP and Shell, global oil refiners, have also decided to withdraw their stakes from Russia and quit the joint venture. Hotel chains such as Hyatt and Hilton also pulled out of Russia.
