Furniture giant Ikea is pausing most of its activities in Russia and Belarus due to the war in Ukraine. Three factories and 17 stores will close. That affects 15,000 employees, says the originally Swedish company.
–
Ikea refers in a statement to the human impact of the war, but also to “serious disruptions in the supply chain and trading conditions”.
That is why the company pauses all imports and exports to and from Russia and Belarus, all production is stopped and the furniture stores are closed. The shopping centers that Ikea operates in Russia under the name Mega will remain open. Essential goods such as food and medicines are sold there.
Ikea guarantees employment and income stability for its 15,000 employees. It promises to continue supporting them in the near future. Ikea has been active in Russia since 2000 and is one of the most important Western employers.
–
