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Israel Opens Its Biggest Zara Store—But It’s Already Facing a Boycott

Exterior of Zara’s flagship store at Big Fashion Glilot
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Adil

Inside Big Fashion Glilot, Inditex’s massive new retail hub—and why ethical shoppers say don’t buy the hype.

Israel’s largest Zara store officially opened at the new Big Fashion Glilot complex, a $745 million mega mall between Tel Aviv and Herzliya. Spanning 4,500 square meters across two sleek levels, it merges ZARA and ZARA HOME under one roof for the first time in Israel.

But while the fashion giant rolls out its most advanced concept store—with smart fitting rooms, self-checkouts, and in-app integrations—activists are calling for a full boycott.

🚫 Why Boycott Zara?

Zara’s parent company, Inditex, is listed as Level 2 on the Boycat ethical shopping index, meaning there’s substantial concern over its business ties and ethical practices:

  • In 2023, Zara sparked global backlash for a campaign that resembled images from Gaza’s devastation. Mannequins wrapped in white shrouds and dismembered statues were widely seen as tone-deaf or intentionally provocative.
  • The company claimed the shoot predated the war, but critics weren’t convinced. The hashtag #BoycottZara trended worldwide.
  • Previously, a Zara franchise owner in Israel hosted far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, deepening outrage among pro-Palestinian advocates.

🔗 Inditex and Its Subsidiaries

When you shop Zara, you’re also supporting the broader Inditex empire, which includes:

  • Massimo Dutti
  • Bershka
  • Pull&Bear
  • Stradivarius
  • Oysho
  • ZARA HOME

Many of these brands are now featured in the Big Fashion Glilot complex.

🏙️ What’s Big Fashion Glilot?

  • Open-air mall with 160 stores, 43,000 sqm of retail space
  • Anchored by big international names like Nike, Lululemon, H&M, Adidas, and Factory 54
  • $745M investment with 4,000 parking spaces and two 43-story office towers

Initial buzz drew over 150,000 visitors on opening weekend, but shoppers are already skeptical. Many say it’s full of the same overpriced brands seen in every other Israeli mall.

🧭 Boycat Recommends:

Skip the Zara hype and opt for ethical alternatives:

  • 🧵 Shop local designers who produce sustainably and reflect regional style
  • 🌍 Look for ethical brands online or in boutique collectives that prioritize transparency and human rights
  • 📦 Use platforms like the Boycat app to find brands that aren’t complicit in occupation or oppression

Big Fashion Glilot may be Israel’s flashiest new shopping center—but ethical shoppers have every reason to walk right past Zara’s doors.

📲 Download the Boycat app to track boycott ratings, find ethical brands, and stay informed on corporate complicity.