JYSK celebrates 20 Years in Ukraine by launching a new charity project

October 1, 2024 marks a big milestone for JYSK as the international home furnishing retail chain celebrates its 20 years’ presence in Ukraine. Over the past two decades, JYSK has established itself as a reliable business offering quality products at affordable prices, and becoming a key player in the market.

JYSK opened its first store in Ukraine in 2004 through a franchise and, by 2012, the company had bought the franchise rights and began actively expanding its business in the country. As of October 2024, the network boasts 100 stores across various regions, including the recent opening of its milestone store in Chernivtsi on October 3.

Despite the ongoing Russian invasion, JYSK has continued its operations in Ukraine, investing 400 million hryvnias into development. The company opened 20 new stores, renovated 17 existing locations, and rebuilt 6 stores damaged by the war. JYSK has also contributed over 2 billion hryvias in taxes to the Ukrainian budget and created new jobs, supporting the country’s economy during these challenging times.

In addition to its business efforts, JYSK is actively involved in charity work, having donated more than 70 million hryvnias to charitable projects, including support for military personnel and veterans.

Over 1 million customers have participated in JYSK’s charitable initiatives. The company has also donated more than 1,000 books by Ukrainian and Scandinavian writers to libraries in 15 orphanages across the country.

To mark its 20th anniversary, JYSK teamed up with  the “Povernys Zhyvym” Foundation, for a new charitable project called “Add Movement for the Strength of Spirit”. The campaign aims to raise 10 million hryvnias to provide adaptive sports equipment for war veterans. Anyone can support the campaign by donating via this link or by purchasing a themed sticker or tote bag in JYSK stores between October 3 and October 30.

A press conference celebrating the anniversary  brought together  Yevhen Ivanytsia, CEO of JYSK Ukraine,  Jens Martin Alsbirk, Deputy Mission of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine, and Taras Chmut, “Povernys Zhyvym” founder.

Chmut spoke about the previous charity campaign that saw proceeds from the sale of gonks and gnomes helping to fund new battalions for humanitarian demining in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other de-occupied regions. He emphasized the importance of the new project that aims to support war veterans through sports: “This is a practical, veteran-focused project aimed at raising 10 million hryvnias to purchase sports equipment for Ukrainian soldiers.”

Ivanytsia said that the JYSK Ukraine continues operations despite the ongoing war, prioritizing the safety of employees. The company stores do not serve customers during air raid alerts while its operations in frontline areas have been halted . He also mentioned that JYSK completely ceased operations in Russia, closing 13 stores in March 2022.

The Danish diplomat said that partnership between Ukraine and Denmark, including the provision of F-16 fighter jets, is closely tied to humanitarian aid, while JYSK playing a crucial role in supporting Ukrainians during the war. He also mentioned the reopening of the JYSK store in Bucha, adding that it gave him hope that “Ukraine will definitely win.”

JYSK’s anniversary is celebrated by discounts and promotions in its stores across Ukraine. The company remains committed to its growth and charitable efforts, contributing to the rebuilding of the country and supporting those who defend its independence.