MOSCOW, Feb 3 British chain of luxury clothing and accessories stores Paul Smith is leaving his business in Russia due to criticism from customers, the Daily Mail newspaper reports, citing a company representative and its own data.
«The company does not trade directly with Russia, but for two decades we had a franchise partner who operated stores in Russia. Now we have demanded the closure of these stores and stopped all deliveries to the distributor,» a company spokesman told the newspaper.
The Daily Mail has learned that Paul Smith was one of three British luxury brands still open for business in central Moscow. Hundreds of outraged customers flooded his firm's social media accounts with criticism. There were even calls to deprive fashion designer and network founder Paul Smith of his title.
«If Russia doesn't lose Paul Smith shirts, Paul Smith should be stripped of his knighthood,» The Moral Rating agency quoted the newspaper as saying.
Paul Smith's franchise partner in Russia is Bosco di Ciliegi, founded by Mikhail Kusnirovich.
Furthermore, Bob Seely, an MP, insists that two other companies that the Daily Mail says are still operating in Moscow are the car firm Rolls-Royce and the underwear retailer. Agent Provocateur — should follow this example and get out of the Russian business.