Has Anita Roddick sold out?

March 17, 2006

Loreal loves animal testing, so where is her concience? why not grab 5 minutes of fame and let the paper know what you think? Debate Times Online March 17, 2006 Has Anita Roddick sold out? The French cosmetics group L'Oréal has bought Body Shop in a deal worth £652 million. The company says it will

retain its existing identity and 'values' as a campaigning ethical retailer. What do you think of Anita Roddick's decision to sell? Has she sold out to the corporate giant? Read the report and send us your views using the form below. Your replies will be posted here L'BodyShop. McPret. What next: The Co-Operative HSBC? Except that the Co-op is owned by its members not its shareholders. Face it: as soon as "ethical", self-made, home-grown businesses are floated on equity markets their future is sealed. They will be subsumed in the portfolio of a vast corporation. These wholesome brands are even

more attractive to the giants these days, because they tick the box of corporate responsibility. If you're bothered about ethics, look for the owner behind the label, spend your money in the co-operatives (John Lewis, the Co-op) or go to your local farmers' market. As for Ms Roddick: please put your profit into something honourable. Simon Whitworth, Harpenden Nice one Anita. Who says being ethical has to mean being poor? She'll probably spend some of the money on good causes and a lot on herself. And why not - she has earned it. Peter Goodman, London Please complete the form below and your contribution will be

considered for publication. Please restrict your response to 250 words. It may be necessary to edit your comments. Please include your name, town/county/state of residence and e-mail. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,564-2090872,00.htmlPeter H

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