Image Source: Visual China

BEIJING, March 8 (TMTPOST) — Japanese fast fashion brand Uniqlo defended its decision to continue operation in Russia on Monday amid the exodus of other big brands from the country.

"Clothing is a necessity of life," Tadashi Yanai, CEO of Uniqlo’s parent company Fast Retailing, told Nikkei last week, explaining the decision. "The people of Russia have the same right to live as we do."

Other fast fashion brands such as Zara and H&M have suspended their operations in Russia in protest of the country’s war with Ukraine, shutting down their outlets.

"H&M Group is deeply concerned about the tragic developments in Ukraine and stands with all the people who are suffering," the H&M said in a statement, announcing that it would temporarily pause all sales in Russia in part over concerns for the safety of its employees.

A large number of multinational corporations from different sectors have halted their operations in Russia to boycott Russia’s war with Ukraine. Carmakers such as Volkswagen had suspended its car production in the country. Tech giant Apple had also suspended sales in Russia. Even luxury brands like Hermes, Richemont and Cartier had announced earlier that they will shut down their brick-and-mortar outlets in Russia.

See also: Luxury Brands Announce Exit from Russia

Uniqlo is under heavy criticism on social media for its decision to continue its business in Russia. There have been calls on social media platforms to boycott Uniqlo for its inaction, according to a news report from CBS News. Users on social media accused the Japanese brand of showing support for Russia and the war.

Many have said on Twitter that they will not buy any product from Uniqlo unless it “stops supporting Russia” and reconsider its business operation in the country.

Uniqlo’s parent company Fast Retailing announced last week that it would donate US$10 million to the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees, which provides financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees who have fled their homes. The company also said that it would donate 100,000 Uniqlo garments, including blankets, to the refugees.