Family Spotted Eating Inside IKEA Tampines Showroom, IKEA Reminds Customers To Use Restaurant Instead
A family was recently spotted having a meal inside an IKEA showroom display at IKEA Tampines, prompting the furniture giant to remind customers that meals should be consumed at its designated dining areas instead.
Photos of the incident surfaced on Facebook after a user shared them on the Complaint Singapore page on Jun. 21.
The images were reportedly taken at around 11:20am inside IKEA Tampines.
The person who uploaded the photos wrote: “Whole family eating at showflat. Yumyum, who cares if I disturb other shoppers?”
The user also claimed that after informing an elderly woman that eating there was not allowed, she allegedly replied: “He’s just a kid.”
Child Seen Eating Inside Showroom Display
In the photos, an elderly woman and a child could be seen seated inside one of IKEA’s showroom displays.
An open styrofoam food container and an uncapped water bottle were placed on the table, while the child appeared to be eating with cutlery.
The incident quickly drew attention online, with many debating whether customers should treat showroom displays as actual dining spaces.
IKEA: Customers Are Welcome To Feel At Home, But Meals Should Be Eaten At The Restaurant
Responding to media queries, an IKEA Singapore spokesperson said the showroom setups are designed to inspire customers and help them visualise how the furniture would look in a real home.
However, the company stressed that customers who wish to have a meal should head to its restaurant facilities instead.
“Eating in showroom settings comes with hygiene and food safety considerations and can interrupt the experience for other shoppers,” the spokesperson said.
IKEA added that its Swedish Restaurant is fully equipped with tables, plates and cutlery, making it a more suitable place for families to enjoy their meals.
The company also said its staff members are available to guide customers whenever necessary.
Online Reactions Divided
While some netizens criticised the family for treating the showroom as a dining area, others pointed out that young children may sometimes need to eat while shopping.
However, many agreed that eating inside a display area could create hygiene concerns and inconvenience other customers who are trying to browse the store.
The incident has also reignited discussions about public etiquette and being considerate in shared spaces.