Uniqlo owner U-turns and suspends operations in Russia

Uniqlo’s owner has made a U-turn and decided to close operations in Russia.

Fast Retailing said it faces “operational challenges” due to the “worsening of the conflict situation” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier in the week it announced it would keep its Russian shops open, saying clothing was a “vital necessity”.

But it now joins a rush of global brands to shut down operations in Russia.