IKEA Pulls Out Of Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict, Sparking A Run On Stores And Memes

Iconic Swedish retail giant IKEA has pulled out of Russia and Belarus in protest of the war with Ukraine, sparking a smorgasbord of memes. Large crowds of panicked people thronged IKEA locations across Russia yesterday for what may be their last chance to buy the iconic furniture and home goods.

The war in Ukraine has both a huge human impact and is resulting in serious disruptions to supply chain and trading conditions, which is why the company groups have decided to temporarily pause IKEA operations in Russia. Read our statement here: https://t.co/0ss6WrAHIM pic.twitter.com/ixJyyAifFX

— IKEA (@IKEA) March 3, 2022

IKEA, the world's biggest furniture brand, is closing its stores in Russia and pausing all sourcing in the country and its ally Belarus, joining the wave of Western firms curbing business with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine https://t.co/tSK0NyqxHf pic.twitter.com/rM7oucsO62

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 4, 2022

IKEA’s reasons for leaving are not solely from an ethical standpoint despite online perceptions. Because of sanctions against Russia and the devaluation of the ruble, it is has become difficult for the company to maintain its supply chains and turn a profit. IKEA joins many other brands such as Apple and Coca-Cola that have also decided to pull out of Russia in the last week, among many others.

The Last Day of IKEA pic.twitter.com/OuiK1sH1hY

— Russian Memes United (@RussianMemesLtd) March 4, 2022

“Russian shoppers have been ‘panic buying’ in Ikea after the furniture chain announced it would temporarily close all its stores and factories in Russia and Belarus.” https://t.co/kWKarHtsfC@indepenent pic.twitter.com/hToH09CvAt

— I-Moloch (@danrobjay999) March 4, 2022

Russia is also closing down and isolating itself from the rest of the world amid the conflict. Many observers pointed out how the middle-class cosmopolitan lifestyle many Russians enjoy, and that international brands like IKEA represent, is now impossible to maintain, and there may be political consequences.

Once upon a time IKEA coming to 🇷🇺 and establishing itself all over the country was seen by many ordinary Russians as a sign of better times coming for them. Now it’s all closing. It’s a true tragedy. pic.twitter.com/JNNHWaisH3

— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) March 3, 2022

Russians will understand that something is terribly wrong for IKEA to do this. pic.twitter.com/eQoPAyXT2d

— Erin matthews (@Erinmat81855855) March 3, 2022

Many people online responded scornfully to images of Russian IKEA shoppers, such as wondering why they went to buy IKEA sharks instead of protesting in the streets. Some also cited the pictures of crowds at Russian IKEAs as evidence that Russians care more about their creature comforts than the lives of Ukrainians. Others defended the Russians shopping at IKEA against attempts to paint them as villains.

IKEA is closing stores in russia and ppl standing in giant queues.
There is genocide in my country and they buying ikea sharks 😶 https://t.co/8XX9NFdBjC

— Magical girl 🇺🇦 (@Kyoosh) March 3, 2022

Look how Russian people are protesting the invasion of #Ukraine in the streets of Moscow. Oh, wait.. they are just buying Lack tables at Ikea. https://t.co/zBtGtSImNz

— Ted Gold (@tedsomething) March 4, 2022

Might be due the fact that peole in Russia don’t get brutally repressed or arrested for buying mugs and towels from IKEA? Let that sink the in vms. https://t.co/cBq91fMvl8

— Hele 🌙 🌻 (@Helendus) March 4, 2022

Overall, IKEA’s decision was largely well-received, with users pointing out the similarity of IKEA’s brand colors to those of the Ukrainian flag, memeing about Swedish military assistance to Ukraine and joking about Putin's Long Table (reviving a meme that had trended some weeks ago).

IKEA were supporting Ukraine before it was cool pic.twitter.com/Z9VYe7ODtN

— Mahyar Tousi (@MahyarTousi) March 4, 2022

After threatening Sweden, the Swedes closed all Ikea stores across the Russian federation & sent immediate lethal aid to the Ukrainians. Well done Sweden… I think 😳 🇸🇪#IStandWithUkraine ✊🏾 🇺🇦 🇪🇺#PutinWarCrimes #PutinsWar #PutinHitler #RussiaInvadedUkraine pic.twitter.com/wmOKysj2Dt

— Anthony Stevens 🇯🇲 🇪🇺 ą=1/137 #FBPE (@AnthonyFStevens) March 3, 2022

The new Putin Table from IKEA… Available everywhere in the World except Russia. 😂🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/Hk4qhjv1mx

— Marie-Ann Hates Tories and Brexit (@MarieAnnUK) March 3, 2022

As the war goes on and more brands pull out of Russia or cancel Russian iconography or products, expect the internet to continue brooding over the themes the IKEA memery centers on, including the question of how to read the economic pain and isolation the Russian people are feeling.