Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2021
Customer backlash over Lush binder collection service
Public backlash
In 2021, Lush faced criticism over a scheme that allowed shoppers to order chest binders online and collect them at its Paddington branch. Customers raised concerns about health risks and about whether minors could collect binders without parental consent. Some customers threatened to boycott the store. The controversy centered on the collection service and the questions it raised, and the available source quote does not record any further outcome.
Customers criticized Lush’s scheme allowing shoppers to order chest binders online and collect them at its Paddington branch, raising concerns about health risks and whether minors could collect binders without parental consent; some customers threatened to boycott the store.
Source excerpt
Others threatened to boycott the store, with one writing: 'This is disgraceful. I will no longer purchase anything from you if you are promoting this self-harm to young, healthy bodies. Shame on you!!'
The scheme is run in collaboration with G(end)er Swap, a UK outreach organisation that helps trans and 'gender non-conforming' people access clothes.
It has sparked a backlash from customers who warned of the health risks associated with breast binding, and questioned whether children would be allowed to collect a breast binder without parental consent.
2020
Questions about Sydney factory conditions
Reporting raised concerns about injury rates and labour conditions at Lush's Sydney production facility.
2020
Lush sues North American operations head over joint-venture dispute
Lawsuit filed
Lush Ltd. filed a lawsuit in Las Vegas against Mark Wolverton and his companies, alleging they breached terms of a 2003 joint-venture agreement and mismanaged finances in Lush’s U.S. operations. These are allegations in the lawsuit.
Source excerpt
Foremost among Lush’s accusations is financial mismanagement – that Wolverton and his companies are funnelling money from Lush’s U.S. operations into Canadian operations, which are controlled by Wolverton.
Lush, which operates in dozens of countries, claimed in a lawsuit filed July 7 in Las Vegas that Wolverton and his companies are breaching terms in a 2003 joint-venture agreement, which brought Lush to the U.S.
Lush alleged that Wolverton is flouting terms in the U.S. joint-venture agreement, such as one that gives Lush the right to appoint a corporate director who is entitled to see all financial documents.
2018
Australian employee underpayment
Lush Australia acknowledged that more than 5,000 employees had been underpaid by up to approximately A$2 million because of incorrect award interpretations.
2015
Lavender Hill Mob product criticism
Lush faced criticism for an incense product whose name and burning-building imagery referenced the 2011 London riots. The company said the concept was intended to emphasize community.
Dublin store Israel boycott message
A boycott-Israel message displayed at a Dublin shop triggered backlash. Lush described it as an isolated incident and said it did not represent its stated welcome-for-all position.