Inditex (Zara)
Spanish multinational fashion retailer (Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti) expanding operations in Israel despite BDS boycott calls. Opened its largest-ever Zara store in Israel in February 2025, with Israeli franchisee linked to far-right politicians.
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Brand already faces criticism over fast fashion practices; association with far-right Israeli politics through franchisee and expansion during Gaza assault creates compounding reputational damage, particularly among younger, ethically-conscious consumers
Official BDS boycott endorsement and active consumer campaigns threaten sales in key Middle East and Muslim-majority markets. European Works Council pressure adds internal stakeholder risk
Franchise model creates legal exposure through third-party actions that may not align with corporate values. Operating in occupied territories raises potential sanctions and regulatory compliance risks
Workers' union calls to exit Israel create internal labour relations tension. Franchise termination would incur contractual costs but continued presence risks broader market boycotts
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Comparison Legend
Strategic Analysis
In-depth assessment of the company's position, vulnerabilities, and recommended approaches for effective engagement.
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Inditex (parent company of Zara) represents a high-profile consumer boycott target following the Palestinian BDS National Committee's official endorsement of the boycott campaign in July 2025. The company's decision to open its largest-ever Israeli store in February 2025, amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, combined with its franchisee's documented associations with far-right Israeli politicians, creates significant brand vulnerability among ethically-conscious consumers.
Key Leverage Points
- Consumer-Facing Brand: Zara's brand value depends heavily on perception among young, fashion-conscious consumers who increasingly factor ethics into purchasing decisions
- Internal Stakeholder Pressure: Inditex's own European Works Council has formally called for termination of Israeli franchise agreements, creating internal accountability pressure
- Franchise Structure: While providing some legal distance, the franchise model means Inditex has contractual power to terminate Israeli operations
- Pre-existing Criticism: Fast fashion criticism already damages brand among sustainability-focused consumers; Israel ties compound reputational risks
- Middle East Market Exposure: Boycotts in Muslim-majority markets threaten significant revenue in growing consumer markets
Evidence Summary
The case against Inditex rests on three documented patterns: operational expansion, political association, and corporate silence. In February 2025, Inditex opened a 4,500 square metre flagship store at Big Fashion Glilot near Tel Aviv, described as Zara's largest store in Israel, directly contradicting calls for divestment. This followed the October 2022 incident where franchise chairman Joey Schwebel hosted a campaign event for far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has openly called for Palestinian expulsion. Despite the December 2023 'The Jacket' campaign controversy and workers' union pressure, Inditex has declined to address its Israeli operations substantively.
According to Inditex's own data, the company operates 82+ stores in Israel through franchise agreements with Trimera Brands. The BDS movement's formal endorsement elevates this from organic consumer activism to coordinated international campaign, increasing pressure on the company to respond.
Engagement Strategy
Focus messaging on the contradiction between Inditex's stated values and its Israeli market expansion during documented humanitarian crisis. The company's own workers' union provides internal legitimacy for termination calls. Emphasise that franchise agreements can be terminated, as other companies have done in response to ethical concerns. Target younger consumers through social media campaigns highlighting the association between their fashion choices and complicity. The widespread availability of alternative retailers, including ethical and secondhand options, reduces switching costs and makes boycott participation accessible.
Evidence & Sources
Verified sources including NGO reports, regulatory filings, and primary documents. Use these to substantiate your correspondence.
Official BDS endorsement of boycott campaign citing expansion in Israel, franchisee's far-right political associations, and silence on cultural destruction in Gaza
Open sourceInditex opens 4,500 sqm flagship Zara store near Tel Aviv during ongoing Gaza humanitarian crisis, featuring advanced technology and combined Zara/Zara Home concept
Open sourceEuropean Works Council representing Inditex workers calls on company to terminate Israeli franchise agreements in response to humanitarian crisis
Open sourceRenewed boycott pressure after Zara features Israeli supermodel Sun Mizrahi in global campaign, whose spokesperson expressed pride in being 'the Israeli face' during the conflict
Open sourceZara removes 'The Jacket' campaign featuring mannequins in white shrouds after backlash comparing imagery to casualties in Gaza
Open sourceDocumentation of boycott calls after Israeli franchise chairman Joey Schwebel hosted campaign event for far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir
Open sourceUpdates & Milestones
- BDS officially endorses boycott
Palestinian BDS National Committee formally endorses global boycott of Zara and Inditex, citing 'deep and growing complicity in Israel's regime of settler-colonialism, apartheid, and genocide.'
- Largest-ever Israel store opens
Inditex opens 4,500 sqm flagship Zara store at Big Fashion Glilot complex near Tel Aviv, deepening Israeli market presence despite ongoing humanitarian crisis and boycott campaigns.
- Workers' union calls for Israel exit
European Works Council representing Inditex workers formally requests company terminate Israeli franchise agreements, citing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Israeli model campaign sparks fresh boycott calls
Zara features Israeli supermodel Sun Mizrahi in global campaign. Her spokesperson states she is 'happy to be the Israeli face' during the conflict, triggering renewed boycott pressure.
- Controversial 'The Jacket' campaign
Zara releases ad campaign featuring mannequins wrapped in white shrouds amid rubble. Public backlash leads to removal; Zara expresses 'regret' for 'misunderstanding' without addressing Israel ties.
- Initial boycott calls begin
Arab Israelis burn Zara clothing and call for boycott. Palestinian Authority officials condemn the company and chief justice issues religious ruling prohibiting dealings with Zara.
- Franchisee hosts Ben-Gvir campaign event
Joey Schwebel, chairman of Trimera Brands (Zara's Israeli franchisee), hosts campaign event for far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir at his home. Ben-Gvir subsequently tweets praise for Zara.