Ikea has closed its stores in Russia and parent company Ingka Group has paused all imports and exports in and out of the country and Belarus in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ikea store, Russia

Russia was Ikea’s 10th largest market in 2021

Ingka Group will continue to operate its Mega shopping malls to give Russians access to daily essentials such as groceries and pharmaceuticals. 

The group said these decisions will affect 15,000 colleagues who it would continue to support.

The Ikea Foundation has made a €20m (£17m) donation to help refugees from Ukraine and those who have been displaced by the war.

In addition, the Inter Ikea Group and the Ingka Group are giving €10m (£8m) each to provide support in products and other assistance to UNHCR, Save the Children and other local organisations.

Ingka Group said: “The devastating war in Ukraine is a human tragedy and our deepest empathy and concerns are with the millions of people impacted.

“The immediate actions of Inter Ikea Group and Ingka Group have been to support the personal safety and security of Ikea co-workers and their families, and we will continue to do so.

“The situation is extremely critical and fast-moving. The company groups are dedicated to navigating in this reality with the best interests of people as the highest priority.”

In the year to August 31, 2021, Russia was Ikea’s 10th largest market with sales amounting to €1.6bn (£1.3bn) or 4% of its total retail sales.

Ikea does not have stores in Belarus but does source from the country.