Rip Curl pulls distribution to Russia

RIP CURL has joined a growing list of brands that have pulled distribution to Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

The Torquay founded surf company, now owned by the ASX listed KMD brands (formerly Kathmandu), operates out of three Rip Curl branded stores in Moscow, however, a spokesperson for the company said the product is sold there via a local licensee in Russia.

KMD Brands said it instituted a shipping hold last week and has temporarily ceased supplying its products to Russia.

Revenues from Russia in recent years have been insignificant according to a KMD Brands statement, understood to be just $10,000 for the last financial year.

Social media accounts for Rip Curl Russia, still active when this paper accessed them, are attracting user comments calling on the company’s Australian arm to “pull out of Russia…don’t do business in a war country.”

“Ukraine is under attack of Russian forces….STOP WAR,” another user posted on the Instagram account of Rip Curl Russia.

A company spokesperson said the Kathmandu brand does not have a presence in Russia.

The decision to halt Rip Curl exports to Russia adds to a list of over 300 companies that have withdrawn from the country since its President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine almost two weeks ago, according to a recent report from Yale university.

The list includes global brands like BP, Chanel, Nike, McDonald’s as well as Geelong’s Viva Energy, which recently announced it was ceasing purchase of Russian crude oil.