JD Sports joins growing band of retailers to cease all trading in Russia
JD Sports has joined a growing band of brands and retailers to halt trading in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
The British sportswear and fashion giant said it had ceased all trading in Russia across both its brand websites and wholesale channels. Sales in the country made up 0.5% of its annual revenues.
It also confirmed that it had no staff of facilities currently operating in Russia.
In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, JD Sports said it would also be offering support to Ukraine: "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."
The move by JD Sports follows similar announcement from British online retailers ASOS and Boohoo, who have ceased all sales to Russia, while big names such as Marks & Spencer and Burberry have halted product supply to the country.
On a global scale Nike has closed its Russian stores and ceased all sales to the country while H&M has also ceased all sales to Russia, while closing stores in Ukraine for safety reason.
Meanwhile the British Fashion Council (BFC) is urging British fashion businesses to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and show support wherever they can to designers and businesses in Ukraine, which the Council itself is also doing.
"This campaign is aimed at the Russian Government, not the teams of our Designer Members and Patrons in Russia, or indeed Russian colleagues and friends here, who may be fearful of facing discrimination for actions over which they have no influence at all.
"Seeing and hearing the devastation in Ukraine and that faced by its people is heart-breaking and it can be difficult to understand how to make a difference, but if we all act, the difference will be measurable and meaningful," the BFC said.
