Shopping Centers Today

JAN 2014

Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

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r e T a i l i n g T o d a y Unlike most cosmetics companies, Lush spends no money on advertising and relatively little on packaging. causes, some of which are, admittedly, unremarkable these days: climate change, the environment, animal rights, vegetarianism. Other stances, though, are more controversial: the question of hunting and fishing abuses, military tactics, the treatment of prisoners, an end to the use of torture for interrogation, and the like. A few of the company's statements have actually alienated customers, and some observers question the wisdom of such aggressive politics by any business entity. Perhaps among the more acutely sensitive of Lush's political expressions are those involving the state of Israel. "There were even some organized boycotts as a result of Lush's opinion on retail in Israel," said Denise Klug, an associate analyst at Planet Retail. Indeed, a Lush shop in Beverly Hills, Calif., shut down in 2011 after a pro-Israel group protested the retailer's support for the PLO. And yet Klug is unsure whether the overall result for the brand has been ultimately negative or positive. "I think, especially regarding Lush's animal protests, Lush also managed to gain some new shoppers who liked this radical approach," she said. But notwithstanding current trends among some companies to make hard- edged political statements, perhaps Lush would be better off sticking to its environmental mission or similar issues that actually touch its business, and which the company can directly influence, says consultant Samantha Taylor, president of New York City–based Reputation Dynamics. "Protests against drones and Palestinians is a stretch and seems more like a PR stunt," she said. Still, the company's outspoken willingness to take such risks may reveal more than a little method hidden in the madness. After all, unlike most cosmetics companies, Lush spends no money on advertising and relatively little on packaging, and yet it has managed to build itself a very distinct image in a very crowded marketplace. As the Constantines once told the British press: "All we can do is mouth off and do our best." SCT Phillips Edison Names 2013 Top Leasing Agent ROB Congratulations to Scott Faloni Congratulations to Scott Faloni, Senior Leasing Agent, our 2013 Top Leasing Producer. Scott executed 34 new leases for 118,994 square feet in the 12 months that ended October 31. Our expert leasing team is dedicated to great merchandising, creating value and maximizing occupancy levels across our growing portfolio. Contact leasing @phillipsedison.com to learn about exciting career opportunities for leasing professionals. P H I L L I P S E D I S O N & C O M PA N Y 800-875-6575 • www.phillipsedison.com 26 SCT / J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4

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