Source: http://blogs.independent.co.uk/tag/animal-testing/
In this precise second, millions of mice, dogs, rabbits, primates, and other animals are being poisoned, blinded and killed. Do you know why? Because of MAC’s lip-glosses, Clinique’s face powders, DOLCE & GABBANA’s blushes and many other products from renowned brands. However, The Body Shop is an ethical and natural beauty company promoting social and environmental change. They were the first international cosmetic brand in being recognized by the Humane Cosmetics Standard for the Against Animal Testing policy.
A couple of months ago, there was a news report about The Body Shop and their stores in Chinese airports. Choice was criticizing the company by having stores in Chinese airports since the Chinese government has the right to take cosmetics out of the stores’ shelves and conduct tests on animals. Many of The Body Shop’s customers were shocked about the news since one of the value propositions of the company is that their products aren’t tested on animals. A lot of news reports came out criticizing the brand and mentioning that since 2006 (when The Body Shop became part of L’Oreal company), the company had lost its value and that all the “against animal testing” was just a publicity stunt.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/03/11/european-union-bans-anima_n_2852483.html
In my opinion, The Body Shop should have never become part of L’Oreal Company. L’Oreal commands more than 10% share of the prosper Chinese cosmetic market, and does animal testing, all of which are against The Body Shop’s values. Therefore, it is hypocritical of them to say they are against animal testing when they are trying to enter to the Chinese market and by belonging to L’Oreal. Those decisions might have cost The Body Shop a lot of loses, however, after the hard criticism Mark Kindness, CEO of The Body Shop Austrlia, said, “Until China changes its stance on animal testing, we are prepared to not enter that market… While it’s tempting in terms of the size, until the day comes that you do not need to test your ingredients or your products on animals, we will not be going into that market at all [emphasis added]”.
On the other hand, entering to the Chinese market would be a great opportunity for The Body Shop and its international expansion, however, that might cost the company a lot more criticism and the loss of credibility since a lot of customers would be disappointed with the brand. Thus, giving the bran bad reputation and bad publicity, reducing sales and impeding the company’s growth.
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