Danish furniture retailer JYSK has marked two big milestones in Ukraine with the opening of its store number 100 in Chernivtsi in south-west Ukraine and the 20th anniversary of operating in the country.
The first JYSK franchise store opened in Ukraine in October 2004 and in 2012 JYSK took over the business with 10 stores. The opening of store number 100 was celebrated with great offers on quality Scandinavian products within sleeping and living for customers and donations to charity organisations.
“We are proud to reach these two important milestones for JYSK in Ukraine and especially of the resilience shown by our Ukrainian JYSK organisation. We believe that there is a bright future for Ukraine, and we want to do our part to rebuild the country and ensure jobs opportunities. We look forward being able to celebrate with our colleagues after the war and we continue to support them and their plans for further expansion,” says Rami Jensen, President and CEO of JYSK.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, JYSK continues to prioritise the safety of its 880 employees in Ukraine by ensuring that they have access to shelter during air raids. At the same time, JYSK supports the rebuilding of the country, securing quality products for Ukrainian homes and creating more jobs in the country.
Since February 2022, JYSK has opened 20 new stores, upgraded 17 existing stores to the successful 3.0 store concept and rebuilt 6 stores damaged or destroyed by Russian bombs.
“We trust in our Ukrainian country organisation and we invest for long-term presence in the country. But the business opportunity really comes second to our employees. In this tragic situation, the most important thing for us is our employees and that they can stay safe at work. We follow their lead on what is possible in Ukraine, and we are very impressed by their will to continue to expand and their hard work and dedication to JYSK,” says Rami Jensen, President and CEO of JYSK.
Of JYSK’s 880 Ukrainian employees, 70 have been drafted to the war. 3 have tragically lost their lives in battle. As part of JYSK’s support of Ukraine, JYSK continues to pay wages to drafted employees and has sponsored furnishing for housing for employees who have lost their homes due to the war. Furthermore, JYSK has donated DKK 11 mio. to veterans of the war, charities and nonprofit organisations in the country.
JYSK closed its 13 stores in Russia and left the country permanently in March 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine.
