Cosmetics retailer Lush has achieved record sales of £574m in 2015, alongside profits of £31.3m, while maintaining a strong focus on political activism. The company, known for its handmade, package-free products, allocates around £5m annually to support causes ranging from anti-fracking campaigns to Guantanamo Bay prisoners.
Simon Constantine, head of buying at Lush and son of co-founder Mark Constantine, stated that the company has been political since its inception. He noted that customers appreciate learning about issues such as the badger cull while shopping, and that staff are heavily involved in choosing which campaigns to support.
However, Lush's activism has sparked backlash. Pro-hunting groups have disrupted stores, and its anti-hunting ads were banned by the advertising watchdog. A video depicting animal testing-style experiments in a London shop window also provoked outrage. Despite this, Constantine believes consumers seek authenticity and transparency, adding that Lush is 'not a cult but certainly has a strong ethos'.
The company has faced criticism over its supply chain, including a failure to fully remove child-labour-linked mica, and accusations of hypocrisy for refusing to operate in China due to animal testing while selling in Saudi Arabia despite human rights concerns. Constantine acknowledged these challenges, stating Lush needs to avoid a 'saviour complex' and ensure it delivers on its promises.
