Even though IKEA has suspended all its activities in Russia due to the invasion in Ukraine, the Swedish giant continues to sell products from the country of Vladimir Putin in its stores.

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In March, the furniture retailer announced in a statement that it had "taken the decision to suspend all exports and imports from and to Russia and Belarus".

The multinational had also suspended the production of IKEA Industry as well as the commercial activities of the Ingka Group in these two countries.

However, certain items made in Russia, such as certain models of POKAL brand glasses, are still visible and available in stores in Quebec and on the company's website.

In storage before the invasion

Reached by Le Journal, the retailer confirmed that products that were already “in stock or in transit” after March 3 continue to be sold and they “will be phased out” over the coming months.

“In order to educate customers, all IKEA items carry a label indicating their country of origin,” spokeswoman Kristin Newbigging replied in an email.

However, it is impossible to find the origin of a product when you do research on the company's website.

“As is the case with many of our items, our POKAL glasses come from multiple suppliers. This is why we do not indicate the country of manufacture online; it can change,” Ms Newbigging explained.

IKEA claims that goods produced in Russia and exported to other markets make up less than 1% of all its items.

In March, remember that several local companies and organizations, such as Alimentation Couche-Tard, Bombardier, BRP and SP Clothing, had chosen to turn their backs on Russia because of the war in Ukraine.

Couche-Tard had closed its 38 convenience stores located in Saint Petersburg, Murmansk and Pskov. The company has still not resumed operations there.