UPDATE – Ukraine-Russia crisis: Fashion firms support Ukraine as Russia conflict rages

Just Style takes a look at how apparel and footwear brands and retailers are responding to the conflict in Ukraine. The latest to act include Kontoor Brands and the new owner of Reebook, Authentic Brands Group, as well as retailers M&S and Asos who are among a swathe of businesses lining up to offer jobs to Ukrainian refugees when they start to arrive in the UK. 1 April: Kontoor BrandsLee and Wrangler brand owner Kontoor Brands has made a US$50,000 humanitarian aid donation to the UN Refugee Agency in a bid to support those fleeing from Ukraine due to the ongoing crisis. CEO Scott Baxter says the effort closely aligns with Kontoor’s purpose of taking care of each other. He highlights global companies know the importance of working across borders and supporting "those in our communities and beyond". In a message to his employees Baxter notes: "We will continue to support the Ukrainian people, and all people, impacted by this crisis. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this unfolding tragedy. Take care of one another." 21 March: Authentic Brands Group (ABG)Reebok's new owner ABG says over the last several weeks, it has been working closely with its partners to suspend all branded stores and e-commerce operations in Russia. In some cases, partner operations were suspended immediately. In other cases, due to contractual issues, the suspension of partner operations took longer to come into effect, it says. As of 20 March, ABG has successfully suspended all branded stores and e-commerce operations in Russia. It has also made donations to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund, which are driving humanitarian efforts and providing immediate aid to those most in need. ABG has also implemented a 1:1 employee matching gift programme, whereby ABG will match donations made by employees to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 16 March: Leather Working Group (LWG) Leather Working Group (LWG) offers its full support to its LWG member companies based in Ukraine and says it condemns Russia’s military aggression towards Ukraine. "We will provide support to our certified members in Ukraine where possible, particularly in relation to their continued membership and future re-audit needs. Any of our members based in Ukraine may reach out to the LWG directly for more information as to how we may assist you. "LWG’s position and response to this conflict will evolve with the circumstances, and we are prepared to take further actions if necessary." 16 March: Teijin LimitedTeijin Limited is to donate JPY10m (US$85,000) through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as humanitarian assistance in support of those suffering in Ukraine. "As the company’s basic stance to respect every human’s dignity and rights, additional support from the consolidated Teijin Group is also under consideration," the company says. "The Teijin Group sincerely hopes that the situation in Ukraine is resolved quickly and global peace and stability can be restored as soon as possible." 15 March: Asos, M&S back scheme offering Ukrainian refugees jobsM&S and Asos are among a swathe of businesses lining up to offer jobs to Ukrainian refugees when they start to arrive in the UK. The efforts are part of an initiative being led by British entrepreneur Emma Sinclair, the chief executive of Enterprise Alumni. The aim of the project is to help "tens of thousands" of refugees not only get jobs in the UK but to help them find accommodation, and gain language skills according to BBC News. Asos told the outlet it is expecting the number of positions to be in the double digits in the UK, adding the business already has a Ukrainian workforce in Poland so opportunities for newly arrived refugees will exist there. 10 March: BestsellerDanish fashion retailer Bestseller says its parent company Heartland has donated DKK100m (US$14.85m) to humanitarian efforts and other initiatives that will make a difference for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Initially, Heartland has donated DKK10m to the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), all of which work to help Ukraine. Later, donations to a number of other aid programmes will follow. So far, Bestseller has taken the following initiatives: Stopped all sales in Russia which was handled by a few distributors through Finland and PolandAny Bestseller employees who need to take time off to support the Ukrainians can do so with paid time offColleagues already assist with different initiatives, especially at its Polish locations, and Bestseller says it supports this in any way possibleDonating clothes to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, Ukrainians are fleeing to, and Bestseller is welcoming refugees with care packages, when arriving in Denmark.Bestseller will help refugees with jobs and housing as needed 10 March: Fast RetailingThe owner of brands including Uniqlo and Gu, Fast Retailing has announced a dramatic U-turn on its decision to stay in Russia. The Japanese retail giant said on 7 March said that it would be keeping its stores open in Russia, in stark contrast to its global peers, after firms such as Nike, Inc and Puma AG, moved to suspend operations at all of their stores in Russia. This new statement announces that while it was originally planning to continue running the Uniqlo business in Russia, it has become clear that it can no longer proceed due to a ‘number of difficulties’ and therefore, has decided to temporarily suspend its operations. The firm also said it had already made a donation of US$10m (EUR9.7m) and clothing through its longstanding global partnership with UNHCR. In addition, its employees in Europe had been helping deliver clothing to affected people fleeing from Ukraine. 9 March: CrocsCrocs has paused its direct-to-consumer business, inclusive of e-commerce and retail operations, in Russia . The company has also paused the importation of goods into the country. Through Crocs Cares, the company has made a donation to UNICEF, a long-standing global partner. These funds will support UNICEF's on-the-ground humanitarian efforts with a specific focus on addressing the needs of displaced children and families throughout the region. "Comfort is needed now more than ever and we're pleased to make a donation to UNICEF to support those directly impacted by the war. Additionally, as a people purposed organisation, taking care of our employees remains a top priority," said CEO Andrew Rees. "While our decision to pause all business operations in Russia was decisive, our commitment to doing the right thing is unwavering. Our hearts are with all those enduring this crisis and we hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine." 9 March: Skechers USASkechers says it announced that last week, the company temporarily suspended shipments to Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine. Skechers is also donating US$250,000 in humanitarian aid to organisations on the ground in Ukraine and Poland, as well as matching employee donations up to an additional $250,000 to support the Ukrainian people. The Company has already made a donation to Tikva Children's Home, an Odessa-based organisation with whom it has had a long relationship, and is looking into additional contributions of shoes and socks to further support Ukraine’s citizens and refugees, which now total more than 2 million people. “We have deep concern for Ukraine and its citizens, who are doing all they can to defend their country and survive while under siege. And while our team in Ukraine is currently safe, this has been a heartbreaking time for them, their families and neighbours,” says Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “We’ve been moved by the Skechers community, who has reached out with an outpouring of support and has asked how we could collectively help. This inspired us to potentially double our donation through CORE, an organisation whom we worked with last year in Haiti. We will do all we can for the humanitarian efforts that are taking place throughout the region and join the world in hoping for peace.” CORE’s team is on the ground in Poland providing emergency assistance to Ukrainian refugees who have crossed the border. 9 March: H&M GroupH&M Group is donating EUR1.5m in response to the increasing humanitarian needs in Ukraine. The donation will be split between UNHCR and UNICEF who will each receive EUR750,000. Both organisations are long-standing partners of the company. In addition, the Erling-Persson Foundation, formed in memory of the founder of H&M Group Erling Persson, has also announced that it will grant SEK150m (US$15.4m) to support humanitarian relief in Ukraine and support for refugees. 9 March: MothercareUK mother and baby goods retailer Mothercare says all business in Russia, including shipment of all products has been suspended. Its local partner has confirmed that it will be immediately pausing operations in some 120 stores and online. Russia represents around 20-25% of Mothercare's worldwide retail sales and was previously expected to contribute around GBP0.5m per month to group profit. 7 March: Levi Strauss & Co (LS&Co)Given what it called the enormous disruption occurring in the region, which makes normal business untenable, LS&Co said it is temporarily suspending commercial operations in Russia, including any new investments. In 2021, about 4% of the company’s total net revenues were derived from Eastern Europe, half of which was related to Russia. "But any business considerations are clearly secondary to the human suffering experienced by so many. The LS&Co. community continues to be saddened by the devastating conflict in Ukraine and our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected, including our employees, partners and their loved ones," the company said. It is donating more than US$300,000 to nonprofit organisations providing aid to those impacted by the ongoing conflict. The company and the Levi Strauss Foundation are giving $200,000 to the International Rescue Committee, which is helping to support individuals and families displaced by the conflict, while the company’s Beyond Yoga brand is giving $100,000 to CARE, which is responding to the immediate needs of the people of Ukraine. In addition, the company is offering employees a 2-to-1 match, up to $200,000, for donations to a slate of organisations committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable communities get the support they need, including several that are ensuring discrimination doesn’t occur at border crossings. LS&Co and its licensee partners are also working to donate jackets, backpacks and warm clothing to people who have been displaced from their homes. 7 March: Puma AGGerman sporting goods specialist Puma has confirmed it has decided to suspend operations of all its stores in Russia. "We will continue to pay the full salary of our employees," the company said. 5 March: InditexInditex has paused its operations in Russia, noting "under the current circumstances, it cannot guarantee the continuity of operations and trading conditions in the Russian Federation." As such, the group is pausing temporarily its operations in the 502 stores (of which 86 are Zara) and online in the country. Russia accounts for around 8.5% of total group EBIT. Inditex said it continues to prioritize its workforce of more than 9,000 people, with whom it is going to develop a special support plan from now on. 4 March: Fast RetailingFast Retailing Co, Ltd has announced a donation of US$10m to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to provide such urgent assistance as shelter, psychosocial support and core relief items to affected populations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Fast Retailing will also donate 100,000 pieces of Uniqlo clothing and other items, including HeatTech blankets, HeatTech innerwear, and AIRism masks, as well as 100,000 items of winter clothing collected at Uniqlo stores in Japan through the company’s clothing recycling programme. In response to UNHCR’s needs, these items will be distributed to refugees in Poland and other countries. 4 March: JD Sports Fashion PlcJD Sports confirms it has ceased all trading in Russia across both its brand websites and wholesale channels. These sales represented less than 0.05% of annual revenues. "Everyone at JD is shocked and deeply concerned by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and expresses the utmost sympathy for all Ukrainians," the retailer says in a statement. "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." 3 March: MangoMango says it has tried to safeguard its operations in Russia until the last moment, given the responsibility it owes its 800 employees in the country, as well as its franchisees and partners, however, it has finally taken the decision to temporarily suspend its operations in Russia. Mango has closed its company stores and its online platform, as well as stopped the delivery of goods to the country. Of the 120 Mango stores in the country, 65 are franchises. The franchisees, key partners for Mango, as well as the marketplaces, will be able to continue to operate and distribute Mango garments, subject to their current stock availability. "At Mango, we have made ourselves available to our colleagues in Ukraine in order to try and relieve their suffering through constant and direct contact, following up on each one individually," the retailer says. In parallel, Mango has made a donation of EUR100,000 to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The funds will be allocated to promoting urgent action to provide services, attend to the population and reduce the humanitarian impact of this crisis. Mango has also made itself available to different organisations and entities with the aim of donating clothes in response to the refugee crisis, material that the company could make available wherever it is necessary. 3 March: The TJX Companies The TJX Companies, Inc is divesting its equity ownership in Russian off-price retailer Familia and instructed its buyers to stop buying merchandise from Russia and Belarus following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 3 March: ZalandoZalando says it plans to use the strength of its logistics network in Poland and brand partnerships across Europe to provide what is needed most to support refugees via its NGO partners. The German e-tailer is committing EUR1m to support humanitarian relief for those impacted by the war, alongside in-kind donations, employee volunteering, and support for refugees. It has made direct contributions to Polish Humanitarian Action, which is providing humanitarian aid including food and other forms of support to refugees fleeing to Poland, and is are also donating to NGO partners, namely Red Cross, Humedica, UNICEF and Save the Children, and is matching donations from Zalando employees. "We are all shocked and deeply disturbed by the Russian government’s military assault on Ukraine. As a European-born company, we believe in democracy, are committed to peace and urgently wish to see an immediate end to the violence in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, everyone suffering from this invasion, and everyone who is mobilizing to support them," Zalando said. "Our priority is to help our colleagues who are directly or indirectly affected, as well as their families. We are currently supporting them with counseling, visa processing, time away from work, and transportation. We do not sell or ship to customers in Ukraine and Russia, nor do we have business operations (e.g. warehouses or logistics) there." 3 March: Marks and Spencer (M&S)M&S says given the unfolding humanitarian crisis following the invasion of Ukraine, it has suspended shipments to its Turkish franchisee’s Russian business. "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 GBP1.5m package to support the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UNICEF to help children and families in need. This is made up of a kickstart GBP0.5m donation to UNHCR with a further GBP0.5m 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. We are also providing practical help through UNHCR; donating 20,000 units of coats and thermals for families in need totalling a further GBP0.5m.” 3 March: Pentland BrandsPentland Brands says along with making a financial donation to the UNHCR, it is also taking action to donate clothing, footwear, and backpacks to those displaced by the crisis. 3 March: H&M GroupH&M Group has decided to temporarily pause all sales in Russia. The group's stores in Ukraine have already been temporarily closed due to the safety of customers and colleagues. In a statement, the retailer says it is "deeply concerned about the tragic developments in Ukraine and stands with all the people who are suffering." It adds the situation is continuously being monitored and evaluated, with representatives of the company in dialogue with all relevant stakeholders. The group is also donating clothes and other necessities and has made donations to Save the Children and to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 2 March: Canada GooseWhile no Canada Goose retail locations have been impacted, the company says in light of the "challenged operating environment and evolving sanctions against Russian interests", it has decided to suspend all wholesale and e-commerce sales to Russia. It says it will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves and "join others around the world calling for peace." The company adds: "Canada Goose is deeply concerned by the conflict unfolding in Ukraine. We stand with all of those who are impacted by the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid to assist with the refugee crisis, and taking further actions to help. "We have taken a number of actions in response to the conflict. Through the Canada Goose Response Program, we are donating CAD100,000 (US$79,182) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) who are leading global humanitarian efforts in the region." 2 March: BurberryBurberry says it is supporting the relief efforts in Ukraine by donating to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal, which it says is working to provide urgent aid, food, warm clothes, and shelter to communities in desperate need.The British luxury fashion brand will also be matching any employee donations to charities supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine with an equivalent donation to the appeal.2 March: John Lewis PartnershipThe John Lewis Partnership is making its first donation of GBP100,000 (US$133,697) to the British Red Cross directly in support of its Ukraine Crisis Appeal. The Partnership will also match donations from customers and its Partners (employees) up to GBP150,000. "I am deeply distressed by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine - innocent people losing their lives, their loved ones, their homes, and families being separated," said chairman Sharon White in a statement. She added: "My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and everyone affected by this terrible war. We all share a common humanity and all conflicts - near and far - strike at the heart of our values." 2 March: Asos PlcAsos has suspended its sales in Russia, stating that against the backdrop of the continuing war, it has decided it is "neither practical nor right to continue to trade in Russia." The UK online retailer suspended sales in Ukraine immediately following the invasion, noting it became impossible to serve customers in the country. Asos said in FY21 Russia and Ukraine represented about 4% of group revenue and contributed approximately GBP20m to group profit. 2 March: Boohoo Group UK online retailer Boohoo Group confirmed to Just Style it switched off its Russian website before the weekend. A report published by Reuters said the group had suspended sales in Russia following the ongoing conflict. Boohoo Group does not have any sales channels in Ukraine. 2 March: KeringKering announced on Twitter it will make a "significant" donation to the UNHCR in order to contribute to humanitarian efforts to bring aid and support to Ukrainian refugees,. "We hope for a peaceful resolution of this conflict," the French luxury goods group said. 2 March: The European Outdoor Group The European Outdoor Group is calling on members and the wider sector to help civilians who are being affected. "Our industry specialises in the design, manufacture, and production of kit that can help people in the harshest conditions and we can step up now to provide assistance. This is not a marketing opportunity, it's a call to action," it notes. The association highlights its colleagues at the Polish Outdoor Group, Keen (through its Polish distributor), and the Scandinavian Outdoor Group are coordinating efforts to acquire and distribute outdoor gear to those affected. It would like to encourage any outdoor industry organisation that can offer materials or products to those in Ukraine to get in touch by emailing info@europeanoutdoorgroup.com. 1 March: KeenUS footwear brand Keen is committing EUR50,000 (US$55,4312) in cash and products to support Ukrainian refugees.

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