IKEA's Danish stores could become shelters as Europe boosts preparedness
The plan follows the EU’s preparedness push as Danish retailers map supplies, beds and staff for crises, with one network covering more than 200 companies.
- Security chief Torben Mortensen said Danish IKEA stores could serve as emergency shelters during crises, utilizing warehouse beds, food facilities, and generators. "We want to be the company that can support society in case of a crisis," Mortensen said.
- Following incidents linked to Russian hybrid warfare, European governments are shifting security strategies to look beyond armed forces to businesses. The European Union is encouraging member states to work with private firms under its Preparedness Union Strategy.
- IKEA belongs to Denmark's Corporate Coalition for Crisis Preparedness, which catalogs private resources. During deadly floods in Valencia, Spain, in October 2024, IKEA turned one of its stores into a shelter for more than 600 people.
- The Danish network includes more than 200 companies employing more than 300,000 people from retailers to telecoms providers. CEO Maja Broloes said, "If a crisis hits, the authorities will have one place to ask, and we find companies that can help."
- Estonia, Finland, and Poland already maintain legal requirements for private firms to support critical services during crises. This preparedness trend extends across Europe, positioning businesses as essential infrastructure partners in future emergencies.
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In Denmark, IKEA has joined a corporate coalition for emergency preparedness. Its stores can become places of shelter and provision of food.
In Denmark, IKEA stores could become shelters amid heightened preparedness in Europe IKEA <p>stores in Denmark can become shelters or temporary hospitals during crises. Europe attracts business to civil readiness.</p>
IKEA's European stores are preparing to become temporary shelters and assistance centers for citizens during natural disasters or crisis situations.
IKEA's Danish stores could become shelters as Europe boosts preparedness
In the bedding department of Denmark's largest IKEA store, security chief Torben Mortensen walks past rows of display beds and describes a use for them far removed from retail: emergency shelter.
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