News Summary
Lush Cosmetics has made a bold decision to shut down its social media accounts, prioritizing mental health and ethical practices over digital presence. Chief Digital Officer Jack Constantine highlighted the need to address social media’s negative impact, especially among youth. Lush is now focusing on more authentic engagement through channels like YouTube and in-store experiences, championing community and ethical digital practices.
Exciting Changes from Lush Cosmetics: Shifting Away from Social Media
In a surprising but thoughtful move, Lush Cosmetics announced that they have shut down their Instagram and Facebook pages in November 2021. This bold decision is part of their larger goal to prioritize customer well-being and tackle the not-so-great impact social media has on mental health, especially among young users.
Why Did Lush Take This Step?
The company’s Chief Digital Officer, Jack Constantine, made it clear that they simply can’t support platforms that contribute to issues of self-harm and depression, particularly among younger audiences. Inspired by Frances Haugen‘s powerful testimony about the pitfalls of social media, Lush felt it was time to take a hard look at their digital presence and make some necessary changes.
Lush’s commitment to ethical practices is nothing new. They have long been champions against animal testing and actively support various social causes, like their popular Charity Pots. The company’s latest initiative displays their continued dedication to aligning their business practices with their ethical values.
Want to Dive Deeper? Here’s What the Latest Report Reveals
As part of their redefining digital approach, Lush joined forces with The Future Laboratory to create a fascinating report titled “Digital Engagement: A Social Future.” This report sheds light on consumer opinions about social media and how brands can engage in more meaningful ways in this digital age. According to the findings, a solid 69% of adults believe that unethical social media platforms should lose partnerships with brands, while an impressive 62% respect brands that prioritize ethics over just expanding their reach.
An Informal Shift in Focus
Lush is transitioning towards more personal and authentic interactions. They’re putting their energy into channels like YouTube, live chat on their website and app, and creating enriching in-store experiences. These changes are all about enhancing human connections with their customers to offer a more genuine engagement.
What Consumers Are Saying
Interestingly, consumer interest seems to be shifting away from social media. Around 57% of people feel that bigger brands have taken over the digital space, creating concerns around safety and data privacy. Notably, a significant 54% of young consumers expressed feeling marginalized in online environments. This highlights a growing need for brands, like Lush, to advocate for ethical digital spaces that value inclusivity.
Six Principles for a Better Digital World
In light of their new vision, Lush has outlined six guiding principles for digital platforms. These include:
- Sustainability
- Cooperation over Competition
- Community-Controlled Data Ownership
- Accessibility
- Inclusivity
- Life-Affirming Attitudes
By following these principles, Lush aims to spark change in the digital landscape, hoping that their stance will encourage other brands to also put ethics at the forefront rather than solely marketing gain.
Looking Ahead
Rather than disappearing completely from the digital scene, Lush is opting for a more thoughtful engagement. They are prioritizing physical events, community activations, email newsletters, and even a traditional print magazine to connect personally with customers. Admittedly, the brand understands this might lead to a short-term loss of around £10 million in revenue, but their commitment to doing the right thing takes precedence.
While Lush won’t be actively posting on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat anymore, they will still keep an eye on these channels for customer feedback. The hope is that this transition will create a more genuine and engaging experience, demonstrating that there’s a different way to connect with their audience beyond just likes and shares.
As fans of Lush, it’s exciting to see a brand so committed to not just selling products but also making the world a better place through ethical practices and meaningful connections. Here’s to hoping more brands follow suit!
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Additional Resources
- Marketing Brew
- Wikipedia: Lush
- Forbes
- Google Search: Lush Cosmetics
- Cosmetics Business
- Google Scholar: Lush Cosmetics social media
- Vogue Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lush Cosmetics
- Media in Canada
- Google News: Lush Cosmetics news
