17.5°C Vancouver

Sep 14, 2020 10:24 PM -

Office furniture shortages loom as Canadians stay home this fall

Share On
office-furniture-shortages-loom-as-canadians-stay-home-this-fall
A sign advertises office space available for rent in Ottawa's downtown core in Ottawa, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020. Canadians should brace for a shortage of office furniture, such as desks and chairs, as people continue to study and work from home this fall. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Canadians should brace for a shortage of office furniture, such as desks and chairs, as people continue to study and work from home this fall.

Ikea Canada spokeswoman Kristin Newbigging says the company has seen an increase in demand for office furnishings and other gear needed for work-from-home setups.

This comes as a looming second wave of COVID-19 means many Canadians are not returning to the office or school just yet.

At the same time, she says the company is experiencing the impacts of overseas suppliers still being closed for business, making it hard to meet demand.

And when those suppliers reopen, they are receiving orders significantly above the normal levels of demand.

Ikea has about 1,000 home furnishing suppliers in 50 countries around the globe, with top suppliers in China, Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Sweden and Germany.

Latest news

BCJul 09, 2026

Two drivers killed in head-on crash in Kootenay National Park

Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park on Wednesday evening, according to the RCMP. Police said officers responded at about 5:30 p.m. to reports of a serious crash near the Simpson Monument. Investigators determined that a westbound vehicle crossed the centre line while negotiating a curve and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle. According to the RCMP, each vehicle was occupied only by its driver. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. A third vehicle was also involved in the incident, and its two occupants suffered minor injuries.
raja-warring-calls-for-punjab-cm-dgp-to-resign-after-grenade-blast-at-moga-police-station
IndiaJul 09, 2026

Raja Warring calls for Punjab CM, DGP to resign after grenade blast at Moga police station

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav following the recent hand grenade blast at a police station in Moga. In a statement, Warring questioned the state's security arrangements, saying that if police stations themselves are not secure, it raises concerns about the safety of the public. He made the remarks while criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party government over the incident. Warring also claimed, citing what he described as a report by a U.S.-based investigat
two-men-charged-in-windsor-child-grooming-human-trafficking-investigation-police-seek-two-more-suspects
BCJul 09, 2026

Two men charged in Windsor child grooming, human trafficking investigation

Two Windsor men are facing a combined 17 criminal charges after a Windsor Police Service investigation into the alleged grooming, sexual exploitation and human trafficking of two underage girls. Police say two additional suspects remain outstanding. According to a Windsor Police Service news release, the investigation began in April 2026 after the Human Trafficking Unit received information that a youth had been groomed and sexually exploited by an unknown suspect. Investigators allege the victim met a man using the name "Jack" on Snapchat before the relationship moved offline. Police allege t
109-people-died-from-unregulated-drugs-in-b-c-during-may-preliminary-coroner-data-shows
BCJul 09, 2026

109 people died from unregulated drugs in B.C. during May, preliminary coroner data shows

A preliminary report from the BC Coroners Service says 109 people died from unregulated drug toxicity in British Columbia during May 2026, an average of 3.5 deaths per day. According to the BC Coroners Service, this is the lowest monthly total since February 2020, when 79 deaths were recorded. The agency noted the figures are preliminary and may change as investigations are completed. The provincial government said adults between the ages of 30 and 59 accounted for 68 per cent of all unregulated drug deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026, while men represented 76 per cent of tho
BCJul 09, 2026

Three charged after Surrey investigation into alleged 3D-printed firearms and drug trafficking

Three people, including one woman, have been charged following a British Columbia anti-gang investigation into the alleged manufacture of illegal firearms using a 3D printer and drug trafficking in Surrey. According to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), the charges follow an investigation stemming from the execution of a search warrant at a Surrey residence in September 2025. Media Relations Officer Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha said investigators found a 3D printer actively producing a firearm when officers entered the home. Police said officers seized a 3

Related News