Migrant crisis: Now Ikea running short of BEDS amid refugee surge into Europe
IKEA is running out of beds because the refugee crisis has created a massive increase in demand, the furniture giant has said.
Ikea said it will be difficult to maintain the supply of beds if the situation persists
The company has been supplying officials in Sweden and Germany as hundreds of thousands migrants arrive in Europe – and shortages could now hit British stores.
Ikea spokesman Josefin Thorell said it would be “difficult to maintain supply” if the influx does not subside.
It is the largest migrant influx since the Second World War
If the situation persists, we expect it will be difficult to keep up and maintain sufficient supply
He said: "There are some shortages of bunk beds, mattresses and duvets.
"If the situation persists, we expect it will be difficult to keep up and maintain sufficient supply."
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Officials claim UK shops could also be hit with a shortage as the giant’s flat-pack items are imported from manufacturing centres in Asia.
Germany and Sweden are particularly struggling to cope with the largest migrant influx to Europe since the Second World War.
Authorities in Munich - a passing station for refugees travelling to other destinations - have already purchased the majority of Ikea’s beds.
Christoph Hillenbrand, senior administrator of the Upper Bavaria district around Munich, said: “Ikea can’t keep up with the demand.”
Germany expects a staggering 800,000 migrants to enter the country this year alone, while more than 120,000 have already arrived in Sweden.
A spokesman said Ikea is facing a shortage of beds
Swedish authorities are struggling to find accommodation after the Swedish migration agency allowed 50 refugees to sleep on the floor of its head office.
Sweden’s migration minister Morgan Johnson warned that the country may have to begin sending refugees back to other member states.
He said: “Those who come here may be met by the message that we can’t arrange housing for them.
“Either you’ll have to arrange it yourself, or you have to go back to Germany or Denmark again.”
Authorities in Munich have bought the majority of Ikea's beds