IKEA S'pore advises customers to dine in restaurant after family seen eating at Tampines outlet's showflat

A family was seen having a meal inside an IKEA showroom display on Jun. 21.

According to a Facebook post uploaded to the Complaint Singapore page, the photos were taken at around 11:20am at IKEA Tampines.

Facebook user, OrangeDragon3045, captioned the post saying: "Whole family eating at showflat. Yumyum, who cares if I disturb other shoppers?"

"I told the grandma this is not allowed in Singapore, she replied [he's] just a kid."

In response to queries from Mothership, an IKEA spokesperson said: "We encourage our customers to feel right at home in our IKEA room settings because they’re designed to inspire everyday life at home in Singapore."

However, IKEA noted that customers who wish to have a meal should do so at its restaurant facilities instead.

Hygiene and food safety considerations

In the pictures, an elderly woman and a child could be seen sitting on display chairs in the showroom.

An uncapped water bottle and an open styrofoam box containing food were placed on the table.

The child held cutlery and seemed to be digging into his meal.

The IKEA spokesperson said, "Eating in showroom settings comes with hygiene and food safety considerations and can interrupt the experience for other shoppers."

"To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience for everyone, we invite hungry customers to enjoy their meals in our IKEA Swedish Restaurant, where plates, cutlery, and a more comfortable setting are ready for families of all sizes."

The IKEA spokesperson added: "Our co-workers are on hand to provide guidance and support to customers where needed."