An expert assessed the prospects of IKEA's return to Russia

The return of IKEA furniture stores to Russia seems rather problematic. This opinion was expressed by Pavel Lyulin, vice-president of the Union of Shopping Centers (STC), on Monday, February 17.

He explained that the areas where the stores in MEGA shopping centers were located are occupied.

"Despite the fact that IKEA left quite a long time ago and there are alternatives on the market, it has not yet been possible to fully replace the large format of IKEA, and the demand for furniture of this brand remains," he noted in conversation with Lenta.Ru.

The expert added that if IKEA returns to Russia, the return to this market will be quite expensive for the company.

He added that no official requests from IKEA have been received yet.

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Earlier in the day, Lyulin said that it would take at least a year for foreign brands to return to the Russian market, 360.ru reported.

Lyulin emphasized that certain conditions are necessary for the return of foreign companies, including the easing of sanctions, lowering of cross-border barriers and "political détente" between the West and Russia.

In turn, State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova commented on the trend towards the return of foreign brands to Russia. She believes that it is necessary to establish certain conditions for them, writes Pravda.Ru.

Earlier in the day, analysts of the Kokoc Group platform predicted a mass return of foreign companies to Russia, RT reports. In 2025, 350 foreign brands, which left the Russian market in 2022, may return to the country, according to the website kp.ru. At the same time, some large companies, returning to Russia, risk facing serious problems. This is especially true for brands that offer everyday goods, writes RIAMO.

Then the head of the State Duma Committee on the financial market Anatoly Aksakov suggested that the payment systems Visa and Mastercard may soon return to the Russian Federation, reports NSN. The deputy pointed out that these two companies have lost a large market, but to enter it anew will be more difficult, because in Russia are already accustomed to their new systems, which have shown efficiency.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the possible return of foreign brands is an ordinary trade practice, and their competition with Russian manufacturers would benefit consumers.