The fashion brand Zara has faced significant backlash on social media, with its advertisement deemed offensive and exploitative of the Palestinian genocide issue.
Previously, Zara shared several photos of its latest clothing line, Zara Atelier. The clothes were worn by model Kristen McMenamy, who posed with a mannequin draped in white cloth, resembling a deceased person in a Muslim funeral.
The model also posed against a backdrop of wooden boxes, rubble, rocks, and pieces of cardboard resembling a map of Palestine.
According to Jordanian news site *Roya News*, the photos drew public criticism for using disturbing imagery.
“This is disgusting! You are making a campaign based on the genocide that happened in Gaza. Innocent people are dying!”, said a social media user, as reported by *Roya News* on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
The advertisement prompted many netizens to call for a boycott of Zara, a brand previously not associated with pro-Israel companies.
Twitter and Instagram were flooded with hashtags urging consumers to reconsider their loyalty to the Zara brand.
However, to date, Zara management has not responded or issued a statement regarding the controversy.
Countries with the Most Zara Stores
Zara is a flagship brand of the Spanish clothing retail company, Inditex Group. Among the many fashion companies within Inditex, Zara has the largest number of stores globally.
As of January 2023, Zara had 1,885 stores in 96 countries. Spain has the highest number of Zara stores, with 304 stores, or 16.12% of the total global Zara stores.
China ranks second with 119 Zara stores, followed by France with 113 stores, and the United States with 98 stores.
Indonesia is not in the top 10. As of early 2023, there were only 16 Zara stores in the country.
Here is a complete list of the top 10 countries with the most Zara stores worldwide as of January 2023:
1. Spain: 304 stores
2. China: 119 stores
3. France: 113 stores
4. United States: 98 stores
5. Italy: 92 stores
6. Mexico: 81 stores
7. Portugal: 77 stores
8. Japan: 70 stores
9. Germany: 69 stores
10. United Kingdom: 60 stores