Inditex-owned Zara was told by the Bordeaux City Council in France that it could not  extend its French store due to concerns over sustainability and the alleged exploitation of Uyghurs in China’s Xinjiang region.

A Zara France spokesperson told Just Style exclusively that it plans to appeal the decision made by Bordeaux City Council as it was not based on a court decision.

The spokesperson said: “Zara France will be appealing Bordeaux City Council’s decision not to grant a licence for this store expansion to the National Commission for Commercial Development in France since it has not been based on any court decision.”

Earlier this year Just Style reported that an alliance of NGOs had joined forces to call for an investigation in France of four multinational clothing companies, accusing them of profiting from forced labour imposed on China’s Uyghur population.

The Zara spokesperson pointed out to Just Style however, that Inditex, Zara’s parent group, has always said that it considers these allegations against the company to be completely unfounded.

The spokesperson added: “Inditex fully complies with all existing legislation and recommendations regarding the protection of workers’ rights and has implemented a human rights compliance framework based on the highest international standards.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In July, Just Style reported the US Senate had passed legislation to ban the import of all products, including cotton and apparel fabrics from China’s Xinjiang region due to concerns over forced labour.

However, a month later, a report claimed China’s Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) was continuing to profit from global markets despite both US and EU sanctions on cotton imports.

In October, Just Style reported the Coalition to End Forced Labour in the Uyghur Region was asking world leaders to ban the import of products ‘tainted’ with Uyghur forced labour, including cotton and yarn, ahead of the G20 summit on 30-31 October in Rome, Italy.