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10/02/2005
Customer crush closes new Ikea store
The new UK branch of Swedish household and furnishing goods store, Ikea, has been forced to close, due to a crush caused by thousands of shoppers turning up for the opening night.
The store in Edmonton, North London – the biggest in the UK – opened at midnight last night. However, staff were forced to close the doors shortly after the store opened, because thousands of customers surged forward in the rush to get inside. It was reported that five people had to be taken to hospital, while around 20 people were treated for heat exhaustion.
Ikea issued a statement saying that the decision had been made in the interest of health and safety for all Ikea customers and co-workers. The statement also said that the company had worked closely with local police and emergency services in planning the opening, but due to "an unforeseen volume of customers", the store had to be closed.
The Edmonton store will remain closed until further notice.
Ikea was founded in Sweden in 1943 and has become a huge global success, with over 150 stores in 29 countries in four continents. The first UK store opened in 1987.
(KMcA/SP)
The store in Edmonton, North London – the biggest in the UK – opened at midnight last night. However, staff were forced to close the doors shortly after the store opened, because thousands of customers surged forward in the rush to get inside. It was reported that five people had to be taken to hospital, while around 20 people were treated for heat exhaustion.
Ikea issued a statement saying that the decision had been made in the interest of health and safety for all Ikea customers and co-workers. The statement also said that the company had worked closely with local police and emergency services in planning the opening, but due to "an unforeseen volume of customers", the store had to be closed.
The Edmonton store will remain closed until further notice.
Ikea was founded in Sweden in 1943 and has become a huge global success, with over 150 stores in 29 countries in four continents. The first UK store opened in 1987.
(KMcA/SP)
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