Greenpeace claims Waitrose’s decision to shelve the roll out of Shell forecourt shops was sparked by its mass social media campaign, and is warning other brands not to accept “a wad of oil-drenched cash”.
Waitrose had been considering plans to open up more shops in Shell petrol stations, after opening two outlets last year, but the retailer has now confirmed this has been put on ice until after 2013.
It also declared its support for the creation of an Arctic sanctuary under the aegis of the United Nations – a move that would throw a spanner in the works of Shell’s plans to drill for oil in the north, according to Greenpeace.
The decision follows the creation of a 40,000-signature Greenpeace petition urging Waitrose to break off the partnership and a Facebook campaign in which hundreds of users posted negative comments about the alliance.
Greenpeace also released a spoof of the Waitrose Christmas ad that has been watched by thousands of people on YouTube.
Greenpeace campaigner Sara Ayech said: “We wholeheartedly welcome Waitrose’s support for the creation of an Arctic sanctuary, and many ethically-minded customers will be relieved to hear the company has put the brakes on its partnership with environment villain Shell.
“Waitrose’s move sends a powerful signal to other major brands that a wad of oil-drenched cash from Arctic drillers like Shell comes with a hidden price tag in terms of reputational costs.
“Shell is desperate to greenwash its soiled brand in the cleaner waters of reputable companies, but the thought of the incalculable damage wreaked by an oil spill in the pristine Arctic environment should be enough to make prospective partners think twice.”
