When Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, many international companies made the decision to no longer operate in Russia, and Ikea was no exception.
On March 3, not even two weeks after the start of the war, Ikea stated that it would pause operations in both Russia and Belarus. Three months later, on June 15, the furniture giant announced that it would scale back further in the countries.
“We do not see that it is possible to resume operations for the foreseeable future,” it was written a press release then.
The criticism against Ikea: “Think, do the right thing”
But even if the furniture stores are closed in Russia, the Ikea group continues to make money in the country. This is because it owns 14 malls, which go by the name Mega, in Russia, which among others Today’s industry reported on.
The whole thing has led to extensive criticism of Ikea on social media.
“Why do you continue to support Russia and Putin with your open IKEA malls in Russia during the ongoing aggression of Russia and Belarus against Ukraine? Have you no shame in your body? Such a strong Swedish brand and company as IKEA should be ashamed!”, writes one person on of the company Facebook page.
Photo: Screenshot/Facebook/Ikea
“As a Swede, I am ashamed of you! A restructuring of your Russia policy with the closure of EVERYTHING in Russia would give you 100% more goodwill than the ridiculous advertising you send out here. Think again, do the right thing!!!”, writes another, while another writes:
“What do you really think about continuing with your business in Russia, it’s completely damaged. Burning all my Ikea furniture this weekend, I could give it to someone but probably no one wants it. You should get.. be ashamed.”
Ingka Centre’s response to the criticism
When News24 contact Ikea, they refer to Ingka Centres, which in turn are under Ingka Holdings, which is also the top company for the Ikea department stores.
“The 14 malls operated by Ingka Centers in Russia are being kept open to ensure that many people have access to things they need, including clothes, food and pharmacy goods,” it said in a written statement.