Russians pack up Ikea after furniture retailer announces closures

Russian shoppers flocked to local Ikea stores this week after the furniture retailer announced it would temporarily halt operations in the country and neighboring Belarus following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Photos showed long lines forming at the chain’s Russian locations as shoppers filled their shopping carts with items in what could be their last chance to shop at the retailer for some time. It is unclear how long the shops will remain closed.

The Swedish retailer said the closures would affect all of its 17 retail locations in Russia, but the affiliated malls would remain open “to ensure the many people in Russia have access to their daily needs and essentials such as groceries, groceries and pharmacies.” ”

“The war has already had a tremendous impact on people. It also causes serious disruption to supply chain and trading conditions. For all these reasons, the business groups have decided to temporarily suspend IKEA operations in Russia.” Ikea said in a blog post to explain his decision.

The company also halts all exports and imports to the countries and closes manufacturing facilities. Ikea acknowledged the changes would have a “direct impact” on about 15,000 employees.

“The business groups’ ambitions are long-term and we have secured employment and income stability for the immediate future and support them and their families in the region,” the company added.

Ikea is one of countless international companies to limit – or shut down – operations in Russia in the wake of the invasion. Some have cited operational difficulties in their decisions, while others have outright condemned the Kremlin for the unprovoked attack.

Get the latest Update in the Russia-Ukraine conflict with live coverage of The Post.

In the US, tech giant Apple announced it would halt all product sales in Russia following the invasion. And Alphabet-owned Google said it would pause ad sales in the country.

The loss of large companies could increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the broader Russian economy – which also faces crippling economic sanctions from the US and other nations.