Extinction Rebellion Protest & Cycling Collision News
Fast Fashion Protests disrupt Shopping in Stad
A protest staged by four activists from Just Stop fast Fashion (JSFF), an action group affiliated with Extinction Rebellion, disrupted shopping in Stad on September 4, 2025, at approximately 7:00 PM. The activists poured dozens of liters of a substance resembling oil across the entrances of four retail stores – The Sting, Costes, Vero Moda, and Superdry – located on Herestraat.
Shoppers attempting to enter the stores through the main entrances were forced to navigate the oily substance. Police responded to the scene and maintained a presence on Herestraat throughout the evening.
JSFF Cites Environmental Concerns
JSFF released a statement characterizing the action as an act of self-defense.The group asserts that the targeted companies are accelerating the extinction of humanity
, a claim rooted in concerns about the environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry.
the fast fashion industry has faced increasing scrutiny for its contribution to pollution, resource depletion, and unethical labour practices. the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights the important environmental costs associated with textile production, including water usage, chemical pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Broader Context of Fast Fashion Activism
This protest in Stad is part of a growing wave of activism targeting the fast fashion industry globally. Activists are employing a range of tactics, from public demonstrations and boycotts to direct action like the incident on Herestraat, to raise awareness and pressure companies to adopt more lasting practices.
The core argument against fast fashion centers on its business model of rapidly producing inexpensive clothing, encouraging overconsumption and disposability. This leads to massive textile waste, often ending up in landfills, and exacerbates environmental problems. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation advocates for a circular economy model in the fashion industry, emphasizing durability, repairability, and recycling.
The incident raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and the disruption of commercial activity. While JSFF frames its actions as necessary to address an existential threat, retailers and shoppers may view them as unacceptable interference. The police investigation will likely determine whether any laws were broken and whether further action will be taken.