The expert explained IKEA's decision to register a trademark in the Russian Federation

IKEA, a Swedish company, has registered a trademark in Russia, but this does not mean that the brand will return to the Russian market soon. Pavel Lyulin, Doctor of Economics, Vice-president of the Union of Shopping Centers, told Izvestia on April 18.

Earlier it was reported that IKEA furniture company has registered a new trademark in the Russian Federation. At the moment, the company has not commented on the situation.

"The registration of the IKEA trademark is solely an action aimed at protecting the brand in the Russian market. It is premature to expect that the retail chain itself will return," the specialist explained.

He noted that the company's management has a "principled position," and the conditions for resuming operations in Russia have not yet developed.

"For this, restrictions and sanctions should be lifted and relations between the countries should begin to warm up," Lyulin summed up.

The long way back: what does it mean for foreign firms to return to Russia

Some corporations are going to return, but not everyone is welcome here.

On February 17, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the possible return of foreign brands was a common trade practice and their competition with Russian manufacturers would benefit consumers.

IKEA has suspended the operation of its stores in Russia since March 4, 2022.