Ikea has joined the growing list of top retail brands which are suspending their operations in Russia, including H&M, Burberry, Nike, Net-a-Porter, Boohoo, Asos and Apple, as the fall-out from the invasion of Ukraine spreads worldwide.
The Swedish furniture giant confirmed it will close all retail operations in the country and will also halt all exports and imports in and out of both Russia and Belarus.
In a statement, the flat-pack giant said: “The devastating war in Ukraine is a human tragedy, and our deepest empathy and concerns are with the millions of people impacted. The immediate actions of Inter Ikea Group and Ingka Group have been to support the personal safety and security of Ikea co-workers and their families, and we will continue to do so.”
The world’s second-largest clothing retailer H&M has also paused all sales in Russia, saying it is “deeply concerned” over the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The move comes despite Russia being H&M’s sixth-biggest market, accounting for about 4% of group sales in the last quarter of 202.
Luxury fashion retailer Burberry has also halted shipments to Russia until further notice due, saying: “These are incredibly difficult times for many people and our thoughts are with all those impacted by the crisis.”
The company is also donating to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal to provide urgent aid while matching employee donations to charities supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
In addition, Apple has stopped both product sales and services in Russia and made clear that it stood with those that were suffering due to the invasion, while Apple Pay and other services such as Apple Maps have also been limited.
The company said: “We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence.”
Asos has also joined the exodus, saying: “Against the backdrop of the continuing war, Asos has decided that it is neither practical nor right to continue to trade in Russia and has, therefore, today suspended our sales there. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all those affected in the region.”
Meanwhile, Boohoo has suspended its sales in Russia and closed its websites. In a statement issued to the London Stock Exchange said: “Boohoo is deeply concerned about the tragic developments in Ukraine. Immediately following the invasion, the group suspended sales to Russia, and also closed its Russian trading websites.”
Net-a-Porter, Mr Porter and Yoox have all suspended shipping to Russia with a notice on their respective Russian websites reading: “Due to the current situation, we are unable to complete any new orders in your country. All order fulfillment has been suspended until further notice”.
Finally, Nike has stopped taking online orders in Russia although has stopped short of shuttering its stores. Online users are served a message directing them to their nearest store and shoppers will still be able to buy Nike products throughout its 116 brick-and-mortar stores in Russia.
In the car industry, Jaguar Land Rover, General Motors, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce are among the marques that have halted deliveries of vehicles to Russia due to the conflict.
Related stories
National Rail hits buffers with Eastern Europe ad blitz
BLG refuses to pull meerkats despite links with Russia
Ukraine invasion fuels cyber attack warning to UK firms
New cyber security laws threaten mega fines for firms
Spy chief warns of ‘alarming’ increase in ransomware
