[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] NB: In order not to lose the comments that people have made regarding L’Occitane’s decision to keep trading in Russia, I’m not deleting this post but instead, flagging up the situation. Taken from the BBC today is this quote from L’Occitane, “At this point we cannot guarantee that our 700 employees in Russia will not face retaliation if we cease to operate in the country,” a spokeswoman told the BBC. “We are particularly concerned for those of our employees who have relatives in Ukraine or who are of Ukrainian descent,” she added. But, as commenters here have pointed out, countless brands have pulled out and I’m not sure what retaliation they might face because the brand has not been clear. So, you have the facts and consumer opinion below. My own view is that I feel angry about a corporate decision taken at the top that in all likelihood doesn’t reflect the opinion of any of the employees – in fact, I know it doesn’t. I’m also cross with myself for not being up to speed and now that I am, will stop any forthcoming L’Occitane posts until the situation reads differently, if indeed, it ever does. My hunch is that the brand’s heavy investment in China is influencing their current decision. There’s a good Forbes feature HERE.
I’m rushing this out because L’Occitane has a next day delivery service and samples came in quite late – if you’re stuck for non-chocolate options over Easter the answer is here.
This year’s offering features the Cherry Blossom range (perhaps every year does…) and inside the tin egg, you’ll find a mini Bath & Shower Mousse, a Mini Shimmering Body Lotion and a Mini Hand Cream. Actually, when I was looking for delivery options, I spotted a set of four mini-eggs, each containing two tiny hand creams and thought that’s a wonderful gift if you’re being hosted or have multiple people to buy for.
I think this is very sweet indeed. It’s also a better deal at £24 with £32 value HERE.
There is actually an almond version too for the larger egg – they’re both £16 each HERE. Definitely a fan of a bit of both – a little bit of chocolate, a little bit of something else – I used to do an Easter table, so everyone’s treats are laid out in their place but since our grown up children don’t live here now I’m going to do a small version on our hall table with some fairy lights and a bit of blossom or daffs and eggs (or other) dotted about. Lucy is coming for Easter Sunday and it’s clear something is expected :-). Funny how traditions stay so essential… please do share yours, I’d love to hear them.
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10 comments
These are beautiful, after receiving one myself last year but I’m not comfortable buying it this year as they are still selling in Russia xx
Shame as occitane is gorgeous xx
I’ve just seen – I didn’t realise so thank you for flagging that. Interesting what they say about protecting their staff..
Same here. Very disappointing. I was slightly puzzled by the angle that it is to protect staff from reprisals. I’ve not seen or heard any reports of reprisals against staff from any of the other 600 odd firms that have pulled out of the territory.
Nor me to be honest but I have wondered what happens to the staff that no longer have work because of the pull-out.
I came here to say the same about them still operating in Russia. I used to be a big fan of the company. I won’t be buying from them again 🙁
Jane, seriously. L’Occitane really think customers in Russia will be hunting down their staff over not being able to buy a bar of soap!!!!! Chanel and the other brands do not feel there is a problem, they closed their stores.
There is ongoing outrage against L’Occitane online and boycotting of them and the brands they own, including Elemis. QVC, the shopping channel which show L’Occitane endlessly because of customer complaints, actually removed all but 5 items(a bit strange keeping 5?) products from their website.
This is going to get bigger.
Actually, I have caught up with everything this morning – I’m not sure how I’ve missed the extent of it. If I delete the post, I’ll lose all your comments so I’m going to add a note to the top. Otherwise, it will seem that I’ve deleted the post to delete the comments – if you see what I mean 🙂
Sorry, should also add, they’re simply keep paying staff if the stores close. They seem to have quite a lot of money since their recent buying up off other brands.
Hi Jane,
Thank you for flagging this up. I’m a fan of the brand, and will really miss their riche creme which helps my ultra dry skin but will definitely not be buying anything from them while they are still trading in Russia. I can’t do much but I want to do what I can and not buying from companies that are still trading in Russia is one way to do that.
They’re no longer trading in Russia. I believe that they were trying to pull out for some time but there were complications.