Ikea price rises in UK stores due to 'rising supply chain costs'

The retailer, which has Yorkshire stores in Birstall and Sheffield, said it has been forced to increase prices in the UK by more than the global nine per cent average due to "local market conditions", including increased HGV and logistics costs.

A Malm chest of drawers has gone up from £99 in mid-December to £150 today - a jump of 52 per cent - a Hemnes daybed frame has increased from £215 to £279, and a Klippan two-seater sofa has risen from £199 to £229 - 15 per cent more.

The issue was first raised by customers online, who noticed the sharp increases after Christmas, with some questioning why prices had not fallen as part of Boxing Day sales.

Ikea responded in a tweet: "Unfortunately, there has been a significant increase in costs across the supply chain, including in raw materials, transport and logistics. As this is still ongoing it is necessary to increase prices across many of our products."

A spokesman said: "The effects of Covid-19 continue to evolve and impact industries all over the world.

"Since the start of the pandemic, Ikea has managed to absorb the significant cost increases experienced across the supply chain while keeping prices as low and stable as we possibly can.

"Now, like many other retailers, we have had to raise our prices to mitigate the impact on our business.

"As prices are influenced not only by the raw material prices but also by transportation, logistical costs and local market conditions, price adjustments differ from country to country.

"Whilst individual price increases vary, the average increase is 10 per cent in the UK, in line with the global average of nine per cent."

Households are facing a cost-of-living crisis in 2022, with each home set for a £1,200 increase in bills next year as energy prices soar.

Retailers have been increasing prices in response to the pandemic and supply chain issues, which have seen shipping and raw material costs rise significantly.

Inflation is now running at more than five per cent and there are also concerns for jobs as the latest wave of Covid-19 hits the hospitality sector hard.

New post-Brexit rules due to come into force from January 1 could also cause delays to shipments as the amount of paperwork required increases.

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today.

Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers.

So, please - if you can - pay for our work. Just £5 per month is the starting point. If you think that which we are trying to achieve is worth more, you can pay us what you think we are worth. By doing so, you will be investing in something that is becoming increasingly rare. Independent journalism that cares less about right and left and more about right and wrong. Journalism you can trust.

Thank you

James Mitchinson