CHINA – In the response to the Chinese government’s call for strict and effective disease control of coronavirus outbreak, IKEA Retail China is temporarily closing all its stores in mainland China until further notice, effective from January 30. IKEA Retail China (Ingka Group) has 30 stores and about 14,000 co-workers in China.

“The health and safety of customers and co-workers are always top priorities for IKEA. Based on further communication with local authorities where operating, and not least concern for the health and safety of our consumers and co-workers, IKEA Retail China has temporarily closed all of the 30 stores in mainland China until further notice, effective from January 30.”

The retailer further explained, “The impacted IKEA co-workers are asked to stay at home until further notice with paid leave. The decision has been taken after careful assessment and consideration of the epidemic situation and supports the Chinese government’s call for strict and effective disease control.”

IKEA has taken preventive measures such as informing their co-workers and customers about preventive hygiene and wearing masks to minimize the potential risk of being infected.

IKEA will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and stay updated on information from local and global authorities, and act in accordance with their recommendations.