The Aldo Group maintains its activities in Russia but will cease all exports of its products to this country, which is currently at war with Ukraine.
• Read also: Ukraine: Russian troops approach Kyiv, ahead of talks in Turkey
• Read also: McDonald’s closes its restaurants, the pressure mounts on the American groups which remain in Russia
• Read also: Under pressure, McDonalds, Coke and other symbols of America leave Russia
This is what the management of the Montreal multinational confirmed to the Journal last night, stating that its Aldo shoe stores in Russia are operated by an independent franchisee.
“To answer your question, Aldo stores in Russia are operated by a franchisee. [Toutefois,] considering the current situation, we have suspended all our exports to this country,” replied Lynda Bala-Palmieri, Senior Director, Global Communications and Social Responsibility of the Aldo Group. We will continue to monitor events closely and adapt accordingly.”
Aldo has been present in this country since December 2006. The company has opened dozens of stores there since then. According to the information available on its website, the Montrealer now operates seven boutiques in Vladimir Putin’s country, including three in Moscow, two in Yekaterinburg, one in St. Petersburg and another in Rostov.
At the time of this writing, the company headed by David Bensadoun, had not specified whether the end of “exports to this country” also meant the end of deliveries of goods for online consumers in this country, or only the end of the supply of its shops. Aldo also did not specify whether it had also interrupted its business ties with the Russian manufacturers (shoes, bags or others) who supply it.
Couche-Tard, Zara and others
Several other Quebec companies in the same situation have announced for a week their decision to cut ties with this country. In addition to Bombardier and BRP, Alimentation Couche-Tard has chosen to close its 38 stores in Saint Petersburg, Murmansk and Pskov, Russia.
The Laval company, present in this country through its Circle K brand, has hinted at wanting to protect its approximately 320 employees. “We condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the significant humanitarian effects on both Ukrainians and Russians,” said President and CEO Brian Hannasch.
In fashion, Hermès was the first in France to announce the “temporary” closure of its stores in Russia. His gesture was immediately followed by other large luxury groups: like Chanel and LVMH. The latter, which has 75 different brands, has 124 stores in Russia.
Before these French groups, the British Burberry had already suspended its deliveries to Russia, due to “operational difficulties”. The Swedish H&M and the Spanish Inditex, parent company of Zara, with 502 stores in Russia, have also suspended their activities.
-With AFP.