Ukraine war: L'Occitane U-turn as it closes Russian shops

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The French cosmetics chain L&Occitane is closing its Russian shops and website after defending its decision to continue trading.

The firm said the move is related to the suffering of the people in Ukraine.

L&Occitane told the BBC it was keeping its shops open to protect its staff.

Some customers called for a boycott of the brand after the company made a decision.

Its products are sold at more than 3,085 retail outlets around the world.

The firm told the BBC last week that it had considered closing its Russian stores, but it didn't because it wanted to protect its staff.

The cosmetics firm, which has spas and stores in Russian cities, originally said it could not take the risk of closing its shops.

L&Occitane said in a statement on Friday evening that the decision to shut its Russian operation had been approved by the company's board of directors.

We have decided to close our own stores and e- commerce websites in Russia because of the enormous human suffering being caused by the military action in Ukraine.

Hundreds of international brands, including L&Ore and Estee Lauder, have closed shops and stopped online sales in Russia in protest of the war in Ukraine.

One customer said that they had used the L&Occitane product for years and would never use it again. Even if they back out, they have shown their integrity.

I'll never WANT another L'OCCITANE product while their stores remain open in Russia, That's a LOT of Christmas/Birthday presents!

Don't have blood on your hands🩸👐🩸https://t.co/fjS5HOkt6X