Ikea stores will close their doors this Friday in Russia and Belarus. The Swedish furniture giant announced Thursday the suspension of its activities in these two countries, after having initially announced that they would remain open. “The war has a huge human impact and also results in serious disruptions to the production and trade chain, which is why the group companies have decided to temporarily suspend Ikea’s activities in Russia”, the group said in a statement. Nearly 15,000 employees, 17 stores and three production sites are affected.
This Thursday, some Ikea stores are thus stormed by Russian customers anxious to make their last purchases while it is still possible. Images are circulating on social networks and show huge queues at checkouts and well-filled shopping carts.