By guest author Georgia Wright from Retail Gazette
John Lewis
On March 4, the John Lewis Partnership announced it would be removing all products made in Russia from Waitrose and John Lewis stores.
“This means that, from today, we will no longer sell two products – one Russian Vodka in Waitrose and one line of pizza oven pellets in John Lewis,” the retailer said in a statement.
“We’re working with our suppliers to review products that have components of Russian origin and will be seeking to mitigate further exposure to the region.
JD Sports
JD Sports released a statement on March 4 saying “everyone at JD is shocked and deeply concerned by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expresses the utmost sympathy for all Ukrainians.”
The sporting retailer confirmed that it has now ceased all trading in Russia across both its brand websites and wholesale channels, adding that it represented less than 0.05% of annual revenues.
The business also confirmed that it has “no facilities or employees in either Russia or Ukraine.”
“In addition to many personal collections and activities from our colleagues across the Group, we will look to support those affected through our verified charity partners. The conflict in Ukraine continues to generate grave concern and we look forward to reconciliation and the return to peace within the region.”
Sainsbury’s
This morning on social media, the supermarket giant Sainsbury’s said it will be removing all products that are 100% sourced from Russia, and that it will also be changing the name of Chicken Kievs to Chicken Kyiv to match the Ukrainian spelling of the capital city.
In a tweet, Sainsbury’s said: “We stand united with the people of Ukraine. We have reviewed our product range and have decided to remove from sale all products that are 100% sourced from Russia.”
Marks & Spencer
On March 3, Marks & Spencer released a statement saying it had suspended shipments to its Turkish franchisee’s Russian business, given the unfolding humanitarian crisis following the invasion of Ukraine.
“We are doing everything we can to support the people of Ukraine and in response to the growing refugee crisis we are building on our existing support for UNICEF UK’s Ukraine appeal with a £1.5m package to support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UNICEF to help children and families in need,” the retailer said in a statement.
“This is made up of a kickstart GBP 500000 donation to UNHCR with a further 500000 for matched fundraising for all our global colleagues and double donations on Sparks transactions to support UNICEF, and activation of till-point and online giving in the UK.”
The retailer is also providing practical help through UNHCR; donating 20000 units of coats and thermals for families in need totalling a further GBP 0.5 million.
Mango
Mango joined the string of fashion brands temporarily closing their doors on Russian operations this week, following the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, the retailer expressed its “sadness and concern” for the situation, stating that it has been in “constant and direct contact” with its team in Ukraine, offering mentoring, financial support and assistance to those both in the country and those who have left.
It also outlined its concern for its 800 employees in Russia, noting that it had tried to safeguard its operations until the last moment. However, it ultimately has now decided to temporarily suspend its operations in Russia, closing its stores and its online platform and stopping the delivery of goods to the country.
Currys
On March 4, Curry’s chief executive Alex Baldock released a statement saying the retailer had “immediately stopped selling” the small number of its products made in Russia.
“And, while we don’t have a business in the Ukraine, we have partners there and colleagues nearby. We’ll continue to stand with them, and with the victims of this act of the sort of senseless barbarism that we had hoped was part of Europe’s history,” he added.
“My horror and revulsion at the invasion of Ukraine is shared by thousands of Currys colleagues, and we share a determination to help the victims of this act of aggression. My thoughts are with all of those affected by the tragedy which is unfolding.”
The company’s virtual mobile network, iD Mobile, has also joined other large mobile telecoms providers to provide free-rated text and call charges to Ukraine based numbers for its UK customers, as well as providing free-rated calls, texts and unlimited data for iD Mobile customers in Ukraine.
Ikea
Ikea is temporarily suspending its business in Russia due to the o-going war in Ukraine.
The Swedish furniture giant confirmed it will pause all retail operations in the country and will also stop all exports and imports in and out of both Russia and Belarus.
“The devastating war in Ukraine is a human tragedy, and our deepest empathy and concerns are with the millions of people impacted,” the company said in a statement.
“The immediate actions of Inter Ikea Group and Ingka Group have been to support the personal safety and security of Ikea co-workers and their families, and we will continue to do so.”
H&M
The world’s second-largest clothing retailer H&M has paused all sales in Russia saying it is “deeply concerned” over the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
The move comes despite Russia being H&M’s sixth-biggest market, accounting for about 4% of group sales in the last quarter of 202.
The Swedish retail giant has already temporarily shuttered all stores in Ukraine “due to the safety of customers and colleagues”.
Nike
Nike has stopped online orders in Russia because it cannot guarantee delivery of goods to its customers in the country.
Instead, visitors to the Nike website in Russia are served a message directing them to their nearest store and shoppers will still be able to buy Nike products throughout its 116 brick-and-mortar stores in Russia.
Despite the sportswear giant not making reference to the war, Ukrainian member of parliament Lesia Vsylenko tweeted that the sportswear giant’s move was a great example of how private companies could impose sanctions against Russia.
Burberry
Luxury fashion retailer Burberry has halted shipments to Russia until further notice due to “operational challenges,” according to a spokesman.
The business has two stores and one concession in Russia, which have remained open for now.
“These are incredibly difficult times for many people and our thoughts are with all those impacted by the crisis,” Burberry said in a statement.
The luxury retailer is also donating to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal to provide urgent aid while matching employee donations to charities supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Apple
Tech giant Apple has stopped both product sales and services and made clear that it stood with those that were suffering due to the invasion, while Apple Pay and other services such as Apple Maps have also been limited.
The tech manufacturer and retailer said: “We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence.”
The move comes after Ukraine’s digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote to Apple CEO Tim Cook, pleading with him to freeze sales in Russia. Fedorov hopes this will infuriate young Russians ad motivate them to protest against the invasion of Ukraine.
Asos
Asos has suspended trading in Russia amid the nation’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The online retailer announced the decision on Wednesday as Russian forces continued to shell Ukrainian cities including Kharkiv and Kyiv, and said continuing sales in Russia was “not right” following the civilian casualties.
“Asos’ priority is the safety of its colleagues and partners in Ukraine and Russia,” it said.
“Immediately following the invasion, Asos suspended sales in Ukraine as it became impossible to serve customers there.
“Against the backdrop of the continuing war, Asos has decided that it is neither practical nor right to continue to trade in Russia and has, therefore, today suspended our sales there. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all those affected in the region.”
Boohoo
Fast fashion giant Boohoo has suspended its sales in Russia and closed its websites in the country following the military invasion of Ukraine.
A statement issued to the London Stock Exchange said: “Boohoo is deeply concerned about the tragic developments in Ukraine.
“Immediately following the invasion, the group suspended sales to Russia, and also closed its Russian trading websites.
Yoox Net-a-Porter
Net-a-Porter, Mr Porter and Yoox have all suspended shipping to Russia with a notice on their respective Russian websites reading: “Due to the current situation, we are unable to complete any new orders in your country. All order fulfillment has been suspended until further notice,” written in both Russian and English.
While no official statement has been released, it is thought executives are aligning with international sanctions, which also make payment processing challenging.
