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Lush, the globally recognized cosmetics company, has taken an unprecedented step in its history of social and political activism, closing all its UK stores, factories, and its website for a full day in a powerful act of solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza. This move comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions facing starvation and the ongoing devastation caused by Israel's military campaign.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, visitors to Lush's over 100 UK stores found their doors closed and windows displaying a clear, unequivocal message: "STOP STARVING GAZA – WE ARE CLOSED IN SOLIDARITY." The company's website, lush.com, was also replaced with a page featuring the colors of the Palestinian flag and the same demand for an end to the humanitarian crisis. This action is a direct and forceful challenge to the Israeli government's blockade of humanitarian aid, and a public plea to the UK government to take stronger action, including an immediate end to arms sales to Israel.
This isn't the first time Lush has used its platform to champion the Palestinian cause. The company has a long history of activism, consistently aligning itself with human rights, animal welfare, and environmental justice. In the past, they have supported organizations like London Palestine Action and have been a vocal proponent of peaceful resistance against occupation. Lush's commitment to the cause is also reflected in its product line. The company's "Watermelon Slice" soap, created to raise funds for childhood mental health services in Palestine, has become their most successful single-issue fundraising product to date. Lush has announced plans to re-release this soap, with proceeds now directed toward medical services, including providing prosthetic limbs for those injured in Gaza.
While Lush acknowledges the inconvenience to its customers and the financial loss of a day's takings, they state that this is a sacrifice worth making. They believe that by losing a day of tax contributions to the UK government, they are sending a clear message: that the government must do more to end the "death and destruction" in Gaza. This bold action underscores a growing global frustration with the humanitarian situation and highlights the role corporations are playing in international political discourse.
