IKEA, H&M Halt Work In Russia With Promises To Help Ukrainians During This Time

Photo 233861461 © Olgavolodina | Dreamstime.com

On the heels of some major retailers with businesses in Russia, furniture giant IKEA and fast-fashion brand H&M have halted operations in the country as full-scale military attacks hang over Ukraine, CNN reports.

IKEA’s pause extends to Belarus, an aide of the invasion, in addition to all 17 Russian retail locations. The company says the war has created “a huge human impact already,” along with “serious disruptions to supply chain and trading conditions.”

During this closure, the furniture retailer will stop all export and import in and out of the two countries, and retail and production operations in Russia. 

As a result of the pause, IKEA acknowledges the direct impact it will leave  on 15,000 employees. To make up for the loss, it says it will continue paying their wages over the foreseeable future.

“The ambitions of the company groups are long term and we have secured employment and income stability for the immediate future and provide support to them and their families in the region,” says the Swedish company. It is also making “an immediate donation” of €20 million (US$22 million) to finance the recovery of people forced to flee Ukraine.

Meanwhile, business will be as usual for the chain of IKEA-owned Mega malls in Russia so locals will still be able to easily access daily essentials like food, groceries, and medication.

Over at H&M, all 168 stores in Russia will be temporarily shut down to express solidarity with Ukraine.

“H&M Group is deeply concerned about the tragic developments in Ukraine and stand with all the people who are suffering. H&M Group has decided to temporarily pause all sales in Russia,” the fashion company addresses in a statement. “The stores in Ukraine have already been temporarily closed due to the safety of customers and colleagues.”

The brand adds that it has donated “clothes and other necessities” following the temporary closure, along with donations to Save the Children and the UN Refugee Agency.

[via CNN, IKEA, H&M, cover photo 233861461 © Olgavolodina | Dreamstime.com]