Lush closes all UK stores and website in one-day protest over Gaza crisis

High street cosmetics chain Lush has closed all of its UK shops, factories and its website in a one-day protest over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Dorset-based company said the gesture, carried out on Wednesday 3 September 2025, was intended as an act of solidarity, with shop windows across the UK displaying the message: “Stop starving Gaza – we are closed in solidarity.”

In a statement, Lush said: “Across the Lush business we share the anguish that millions of people feel seeing the images of starving people in Gaza. One thing Lush can currently send into Gaza is our love and a strong message that we stand in solidarity.”

The company apologised to customers inconvenienced by the closure but said many of them shared its concern about the situation in Gaza.

Lush has previously faced criticism for its political positions. In 2023, one of its Dublin shops displayed a “Boycott Israel” poster, which the firm later described as an isolated incident. At the time, Lush stressed it was a diverse company and that its official position was to “deplore all violence and all injustice” and support human rights for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Founded in 1995 in Poole, Dorset, Lush has grown to operate 951 stores in 52 countries. Known for its ethical and activist stances, the company has previously closed some of its social media channels, saying it wanted to create a safer environment for users.

As part of its latest campaign, Lush announced the relaunch of its Watermelon Slice soap, with proceeds now directed to medical services in Palestine, including charities preparing to provide prosthetic limbs for adults and children injured in the conflict.

The company noted that closing for a day meant losing not only its own takings but also tax contributions to the UK government. “We hope they too hear the message our closure sends, with more Government action needed to bring an immediate stop to the death and destruction, including an end to arms sales from the UK,” the statement said.

Lush added that while the closure began in Britain, where the business was founded, similar actions could follow in other countries where the brand trades.

The statement was signed off: “Peace and Solidarity.”