Russian buyers rushed to Ikea’s local stores this week after the furniture retailer announced it would suspend operations in the country and neighboring Belarus following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The photos show long queues forming at the chain’s locations in Russia as shoppers fill carts with items, which could be their last chance to shop at the retailer for a while. It is unclear how long the stores will remain closed.
The Swedish retailer said the closure would affect all 17 of its stores in Russia, but the adjacent shopping centers will remain open, “to ensure that many people in Russia have access to their daily needs and essentials.” such as food, groceries and pharmacies. ”
“The war is already having a huge human impact. This also leads to serious disruptions in the supply chain and trading conditions. For all these reasons, the groups of companies have decided to temporarily suspend IKEA’s operations in Russia, “Ikea said in a blog post explaining its decision.
The company also stopped all exports and imports to the countries, as well as closed production facilities. Ikea acknowledges that the changes will have a “direct impact” on about 15,000 employees.
It is unclear how long Ikea stores in Russia and Belarus will close. SOPA Images
The Russians packed Ikea stores to stock up on supplies before closing. SOPA Images
“The ambitions of the company groups are long-term and we have provided employment and income stability for the near future and provide support to them and their families in the region,” the company added.
Ikea is one of countless international companies that are restricting operations in Russia – or stopping them altogether – after the invasion. Some cited operational difficulties in their decisions, while others directly condemned the Kremlin for the unprovoked attack.
Get the latest updates in the Russia-Ukraine conflict with a direct coverage of The Post.
In the United States, technology giant Apple has announced it will suspend all sales of products in Russia after the invasion. And Google, owned by Alphabet, has said it will pause ad sales in the country.
Ikea said the temporary break would affect 15,000 workers. SOPA Images
Ikea said the war between Russia and Ukraine is already affecting its supply chain. SOPA Images
The loss of large enterprises could increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the wider Russian economy – which is also facing crippling economic sanctions from the United States and other countries.