Some big brands like Swedish H&M ready-to-wear boutique and American Starbucks coffee chain are said to be getting ready to cease operations in the Moroccan market as early as this December. Some speculate that this departure could be due to the multinationals’ support for Israel amid the current war on Gaza and the campaign of boycott declared by some Moroccans.
The news, shared by several local media outlets, sparked mixed reactions, mostly concern over the fate of Moroccan labor hired by these international companies and other socioeconomic repercussions; while other internet users rejoiced over the success of the boycotting campaign and saw it as a chance to boost local businesses.
Managing corporation, Kuwaiti “Alshaya,” have not yet addressed the rumor by confirming or denying it. However, some sources from Starbucks and H&M claimed that the rumors of closure are not real. A representative from Alshaya even denied any knowledge of the shutdown and dismissed it as mere social media sensation.
News website “Morocco Intelligence” has recently reported that the move of closing down the two brands is in line with their marketing plans, especially as the Moroccan market proved less lucrative than formerly expected.