Business Spotlight: Lush Part 2

Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. sensory / ˈsɛn sə ri / (adj.) – relating to seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, and hearing
    Example:

    The museum provides a sensory experience. Visitors can participate in activities that allow them to hear unique sounds, watch videos, and even smell different scents.


  2. fervently / ˈfɜr vənt li / (adv.) – in a manner that shows great feeling or intensity
    Example:

    Activists are fighting fervently against corruption.


  3. hypocrisy / hɪˈpɒk rə si / (n.) – a state in which one does something differently from what he/she says
    Example:

    The company has been accused of hypocrisy. It advocates employee rights, but it doesn’t pay its workers on time.


  4. squeaky clean / ˈskwi ki klin / (adj.) – free from moral issues
    Example:

    The actress is known for her squeaky clean image. She’s never been involved in any scandal.


  5. conscientious / ˌkɒn ʃiˈɛn ʃəs / (adj.) – careful about doing something correctly or putting a lot of effort into something
    Example:

    Hannah is a conscientious employee who does her best in every task.


Article

Read the text below.

Continued from Part 1…


The reason for Lush’s success: its unique business model. Lush stores emphasize the sensory experience, selling most products without packaging, so that customers can smell, touch and see what they are buying. The brand has also taken a strong ethical stance since the beginning. Now all of its products are either vegan or vegetarian.


Lush has fervently incorporated such ethics as part of its business. One such example of this is its Charity Pot program, in which all proceeds are donated to environmental, humanitarian and animal rights charities. Similarly, in 2012, Lush initiated the Lush Prize, which funds endeavors to put a stop to animal testing.


The brand, however, has also been guilty of hypocrisy. Despite its negative position on palm oil, for example, it still uses traces of the material in its soaps. In addition, though an ardent supporter of humanitarian charities, workers have complained of poor labor conditions in its Australian and North American stores.


But even if Lush isn’t as “squeaky clean” as it first appears, it remains an example of how a conscientious business model can lead to decades of profits. (The Japan Times)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Lush has taken a strong ethical stance by offering products that are either vegan or vegetarian and donating to different charities. Do you think all brands should do the same? Would you support a brand that doesn’t have a clear ethical stance? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Lush has also been guilty of hypocrisy. Despite its negative position on palm oil, it still uses traces of the material in its soaps. Why do you think Lush continues this practice (ex. palm oil is cheap)? If you were a consumer of the brand’s products, would you stop using them? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • What brands in your country do you consider conscientious? Why? Discuss.
  • If you owned a business, what cause would you strongly support (ex. animal welfare, educational rights)? Why? Discuss.