Amid rising nationalism, Western brands face increased scrutiny over cultural sensitivity

20260617 Lululemon

A Lululemon store in Shanghai. China accounted for 16% of the Canadian activewear brand’s group revenue in 2025. © Reuters

HONG KONG — Canadian activewear brand Lululemon has issued a public apology after the use of a drum during a marketing campaign in China drew online backlash for the instrument’s resemblance to a Japanese taiko drum.