THE parent company of Japanese casualwear giant Uniqlo today defended a decision to keep its stores open in Russia, even as rivals Zara and H&M suspend operations in the country following its invasion of Ukraine.

Tadashi Yanai, president of Uniqlo operator Fast Retailing, said the conflict should not deprive people in Russia of the basic human need of clothing.

“There should never be war. Every country should oppose it. This time, all of Europe clearly opposes the war and has shown its support for Ukraine. Any attempt to divide the world will, on the contrary, strengthen unity,” he said in a statement.

“Clothing is a necessity of life. The people of Russia have the same right to live as we do.”

There are 49 Uniqlo stores in Russia.

A Fast Retailing spokesman said the company will “continue to monitor the situation”, but there is “no plan as of now to suspend our operations”.

This comes as an increasing number of major companies announce a temporary halt to business activities in Russia, while Western governments impose sanctions to pressure President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.

Spanish clothing giant Inditex, which owns Zara, said it will temporarily close the group’s online store and hundreds of shops in the country.

“Given the current circumstances, Inditex cannot guarantee the continuity of operations and business conditions in the Russian Federation,” it said.

Swedish Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) has also announced it will suspend operations in Russia, saying it is “deeply concerned about the tragic developments in Ukraine” and that it stands “with all the people who are suffering”. – AFP, March 7, 2022.