IKEA returns to Ukraine: Details
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Recently, media outlets reported that the multinational corporation IKEA, known for designing and selling ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories, plans to resume operations in Ukraine, which were suspended amid the war with Russia, according to sources within the retail industry.
About IKEA's return to Ukraine
Anonymous sources disclosed details about the brand's possible return.
For IKEA's head office, the important signal was the return to Ukraine and the success of the Swedish clothing and cosmetics brand H&M.
Additionally, experts are closely monitoring the resumption of operations by Inditex Group, one of the largest international clothing retailers (the Spanish company owns popular brands among Ukrainians such as Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Oysho, and others).
According to sources, the final decision on returning to Ukraine was made by IKEA back in May.
However, the exact timing of the brand's stores reopening is still unknown. Preparatory work is currently underway in the company's stores.
IKEA's stance on Russia's full-scale invasion
IKEA had been eyeing the Ukrainian market for a long time but froze the issue in 2014 due to the start of the war in eastern Ukraine.
In 2020, IKEA officially launched online sales in Ukraine, and in 2021, it opened its first physical store in Kyiv (followed by the opening of four pick-up points in different parts of the city).
Due to Russia's full-scale invasion, IKEA suspended its operations in Ukraine.
"Our operations are currently suspended until it is determined that we can offer a safe and secure working environment for our employees and customers," the company said on its website.
All unfulfilled orders will be canceled and customers will be fully refunded as soon as possible.
Previously, IKEA also emphasized their belief in the power of unity and the desire to turn personal compassion into concrete actions.
"Guided by our humanitarian values, we always put people first. All affected colleagues were provided with support and opportunities for stable employment and financial security until the end of the current fiscal year. We also created a Solidarity Fund to support colleagues from Ukraine who need additional assistance," the company's statement said.
The corporation is also actively collaborating with its partners (Red Cross, UNHCR, Save the Children, and smaller local NGOs).
"Together with them, IKEA has launched several initiatives to support internally displaced persons in the most affected regions of Ukraine," the company summarized on its website.
