On June 15, IKEA confirmed its intention to sell all four factories and close all business in Russia, as it does not see the possibility of resuming sales in the aggressor country in the near future.

Back in early March, the Swedish manufacturer of furniture and household goods suspended work in Russia and Belarus, which is an ally of the terrorist country, due to military aggression against Ukraine. The furniture giant has also ditched wood from Russia. Now IKEA, following McDonald’s and other global companies and brands from various fields, has decided to completely withdraw from the aggressor country.

IKEA will sell its four factories in the Leningrad, Kirov and Novgorod regions and is already looking for buyers. MEGA shopping centers owned by IKEA will continue to operate in Russia, the company’s press service specified, but IKEA stores themselves will not work.

“Unfortunately, the situation has not improved and the devastating war continues. Businesses and supply chains around the world have been severely impacted and we do not see an opportunity to resume sales in the near future.

In this regard, Inter IKEA Group and Ingka Group decided to move on to the next stage with a further reduction in business in Russia and Belarus.

IKEA’s retail business in Russia remains on pause. This decision requires optimization, which will also affect many employees”

IKEA

How many people will be laid off is not specified. IKEA sells stocks of goods in warehouses through an online store. The sale of the leftovers will take place sometime in July, a source told Russian Forbes.

IBM completely withdraws from Russia, and Microsoft will “significantly reduce” business in the aggressor country – this will affect more than 400 employees