Popular American coffee shop chain Starbucks and Swedish clothing brand H&M are set to cease operations in Morocco this December due to a sudden drop in demand tied to the ongoing pro-Palestine boycott campaign against Western brands that are supporting Israel.
Reports said that the Moroccan subsidiary of the Kuwaiti franchise giant Alshaya Morocco, which owns the franchise rights of both H&M and Starbucks, is grappling with the repercussions of a widespread commercial boycott initiated by Moroccans.
“According to reliable information, two major global brands, including the Swedish ready-to-wear brand, H&M, and the prestigious American coffee chain, Starbucks, will leave Morocco from December 15,” the report stated.
Starbucks has 18 locations in Morocco, while H&M has only opened four stores; neither company has made any official statements.
In the aftermath of Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip, a widespread boycott campaign has taken a toll on various Western brands in Arab countries, with significant repercussions observed in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, and Morocco.
Fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and KFC have witnessed a notable decline in customers, reflecting the widespread anger and condemnation over the Israeli bloody war against the Palestinians.
The boycott, largely fueled by calls on social media, has expanded to include dozens of companies and products compelling consumers to opt for local alternatives.
These brands are under suspicion of allegedly providing financial support to Israel in the midst of its aggression on Gaza and the West Bank.
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Social media users have targeted brands with ties to Tel Aviv, including multinational retailer Carrefour, after voicing support for Israel’s onslaught on the besieged strip, killing over 20,000 people, including over 8,000 children.
Other global fast-food chains like Domino’s and Burger King have also been targeted with boycotts, as both reportedly gave free food to the Israeli forces before and during the war.
Inspired by South Africa, the Black Civil Rights Movement, activities like The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement have historically placed political and economic pressure on Israel.
