Even though numerous Western companies have withdrawn from the Russian market, some others refused to comply with the pressure and remained. 

Brands such as Auchan, Danone, Decathlon, Leroy Merlin, and Nestle are most often cited.  The study was conducted before Nestle and Decathlon declared a suspension, and before Leroy Merlin announced its restriction from operations in Russia.

The total average of opinions in favour of a boycott of the brands was 57% while the average of responses accepting companies remaining in Russia was 38%.

Almost two-thirds of the respondents expect that Polish companies will stop trading with companies operating in Russia. According to 62% of them, companies operating in Russia should not be allowed to advertise in Poland. 

In turn, 60% of respondents support the idea that Polish stores should specifically label the products of companies that are still operating in Russia. A similar number of respondents believe that companies that still operate in Russia will find it difficult to rebuild trust among its customers. 

Nearly 6 out of 10 surveyed Poles believe that à collective boycott will lead to a change in the decisions of companies still operating on the Russian market. What’s more, over half of the respondents believe that managers and key employees of companies continuing their activities in Russia should quit their jobs.

The survey was carried out between the 21st and the 23rd of March this year by the SW Research agency on a sample of 1057 people.

Image: Shutterstock

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen