Business Spotlight: Lush Part 1

Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

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

  1. rely on (something) / rɪˈlaɪ ɒn / (phrasal v.) – to depend on or get support from something
    Example:

    I rely on my alarm clock to wake me up in the morning.


  2. play by the rules / pleɪ baɪ ðə rulz / (idiom) – to follow what is commonly accepted
    Example:

    The company never plays by the rules. It’s not afraid to take risks and try new things.


  3. cosmetician / ˌkɒz mɪˈtɪʃ ən / (n.) – a person who creates, sells, or applies beauty products
    Example:

    The famous cosmetician released a new lipstick collection.


  4. cruelty-free / ˈkru əl ti fri / (adj.) – developed without processes that harm animals, such as animal testing
    Example:

    A lot of animal rights activists support cruelty-free products.


  5. undeterred / ˌʌndɪˈtɜrd / (adj.) – still continuing despite challenges
    Example:

    Even with the snowstorm, the climbers of Mt. Everest were undeterred to reach the peak.


Article

Read the text below.

In November 2021, cosmetics retailer Lush took a dramatic step for a 21st-century company — it suspended some of its social media accounts. Though done as a stance against online bullying, it was still an unusual move at a time when companies rely so heavily on social media — but then Lush has rarely played by the rules.


Before Lush, there was Mark Constantine and Liz Weir, two cosmeticians from England who were passionate about creating vegetarian, cruelty-free cosmetics. The two made a name for themselves in the ’80s by supplying products to The Body Shop before opening their own mail-order business, Cosmetics to Go, in 1988. Cosmetics to Go — despite introducing beauty classics like the bath bomb — ultimately collapsed within a few years. Undeterred, Constantine, Weir and several friends opened their own shop, Cosmetics House — later, Lush — in 1995.


Lush quickly became a popular and lucrative business, and within a year there were stores open in Canada, Croatia and various locations across the U.K. The brand only grew from there. In the past 27 years, it has opened over 900 stores in 52 countries, and has expanded the brand, adding innovations such as in-store spas, which were introduced in 2009. (The Japan Times)


To be continued…


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • In November 2021, Lush shut down some of its social media accounts to protest against online bullying. Do you think this move was a good way to oppose online bullying? If you were the owner of Lush, would you have done the same, especially at a time when online advertising has become very popular? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, is social media advertising more effective than traditional advertising (ex. TV, print)? What brand in your country do you think has good social media advertising? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • According to the article, Lush has rarely played by the rules. Do you think companies that rarely play by the rules tend to become more successful? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Cosmetics to Go — despite introducing beauty classics like the bath bomb — ultimately collapsed within a few years. Why do you think some businesses collapse (ex. poor marketing, lack of funding)? Discuss.