Forum Topic

Business in Chiswick to Boycott to support Ukraine

When spending their much diminished disposable income people might want to consider how they can do so in a way that maximises pressure on Vladimir Putin.Starbucks, KFC and McDonalds reportedly not only continue to operate in Russia but are supplying their subsidiaries there. Coca Cola and Pepsi apparently are operating on a business as usual basis. Remember Coca Cola also owns Innocent Drinks. Holland & Barrett is owned by a Mikhail Fridman, the UK's third richest man, who has been sanctioned by the EU but not, perplexingly, by the UK as far as I am aware.I don't buy from these companies anyway so I haven't done due diligence about whether they are really putting profits over doing the right thing. Marks and Spencer continues to operate in Russia but its branches there are Russian owned and they have stopped supplying them with produce so they probably are doing all they can.If you believe a great injustice is being done to the Ukrainian people at the very least, you should ask these companies what their policy is with regards Putin's war before giving them any more of your money.

Anita Blake ● 1660d19 Comments

Boycotting in this way hits the middle class downwards not the putin regime or the very rich. Bit like putting every ones monthly outgoings  in the uk up 5 fold and putting goods up 5 fold Dont think we have an issue with russian people in general

Julian Pavey ● 1660d

Not being able to buy Starbucks, McDonalds and Coca Cola would actually be of benefit to the Russian people.

Anita Blake ● 1660d

And generally good for us too!

Philippa Bond ● 1660d

"McDonald’s has decided to temporarily close all our restaurants in Russia and pause all operations in the market," Kempczinski wrote. "We understand the impact this will have on our Russian colleagues and partners, which is why we are prepared to support all three legs of the stool in Ukraine and Russia. This includes salary continuation for all McDonald’s employees in Russia."Source: fortune.com about 2 hours ago.

Andrew Jones ● 1660d

I thought Coca Cola had seen the error of their ways.

Susan Kelly ● 1660d

Is Harrods still selling Caviar?And what about Vodka sales?

Jim Lawes ● 1660d

That’s easy if we all stop buying anything made in Russia the shops will get the message very quickly. Russia is isolated the people will suffer but they continue to support their bully leader, so let them suffer

Jayne Thorburn ● 1660d

I’m not sure how many Russians support Putin.

Maggie Dodge ● 1659d

I thought vodka was made in Warrington

James Roy ● 1659d

Looks like as soon as I brought this matter up, most of the businesses mentioned pulled out of Russia - who would have thought so many global corporations would pay attention to the ChiswickW4 forum?!Holland and Barratt however remains a Russian owned business. There are other locally owned businesses in Chiswick such as Windfall Natural and Manor Springs which sell the same products.

Anita Blake ● 1659d

Their press is so controlled by the state that many are unaware or can be unaware of what is really happening in the outside world.

Philippa Bond ● 1659d

Philippa, spot on.The West need to win not only the physical battle but just as importantly to penetrate the hearts and minds of the Russian people.One can't go without the other.

Adrian Irving ● 1659d

Oh dear, the Warrington business was sold and the stuff is now made in Scotland.So Vladivar is now distilled in Invergordon and bottled in Grangemouth.Vladivar comes from Grangemouth, doesn't quite have the ring of the "Wodka comes from Varrington" ad.Stoli (Stolichnaya) and Smirnoff. Both are not made in Russia. Stoli Group, the makers of their popular Stolichnaya vodka, are Russian-themed. However, they are not made in Russia.So that's OK for the B... Marys.

James Roy ● 1659d

Given the advance in technology e.g. the internet I am sure many Russians know the truth about Putin but either ignore the truth or are too afraid to speak out. Russia has been part of the global world for many years now, they know…..if they support Putin then they will suffer through sanctions. If they claim not to know they need to start asking questions…….I have zero sympathy for anyone who supports putin. Until they all speak up putin will continue his selfish, nasty agenda he couldn’t care less about the Russia people just his own ego, it’s about time Russians woke up to his tyranny.

Jayne Thorburn ● 1659d

A good way to boycott Russia is not buying anything built by Berkeley Group.This is a company that has trousered huge profits by luring super rich Russian investors – and boasting about it.Astonishingly, Berkeley Group’s “Russia Desk” is still open for business.Please note: Berkeley Group trades under several different names. These are St Edward, St George, St James, St Joseph and St William.

David Marshall ● 1659d

It is too late to start asking questions when so many of your sons and daughters don't come back from "a special operation" or whatever this war is being called.

Philippa Bond ● 1659d

Please what about the people of Ukraine, just look at them Russians are not being bombed….Russia is the aggressor not Ukraine who have lost many lives. So Russian soldiers die do I care about them about them absolutely not…..I do care about all the Ukrainian citizens who die, suffer, lost there homes, their livelihoods, their family, friends

Jayne Thorburn ● 1659d

"Given the advance in technology e.g. the internet I am sure many Russians know the truth about Putin but either ignore the truth or are too afraid to speak out." I would like to think you are right but the mass media, technology and the intent works both ways.Just look at the misinformation the English swallowed during Brexit for example.Putin is a master of propaganda and suppression of the truth. I can't believe your average Joe in Russia is evil but as you say some may be too afraid to speak, others have just been brainwashed.

Adrian Irving ● 1659d

As I understand it Savills was the estate agent of choice for the oligarchs but I'm not sure it is particularly fair to boycott people who took lots of cash from the Russians before this all kicked off - remember that one of the biggest recipients was the Conservative party.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1659d