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February 10, 2005
IKEA: Swedish for 'stampede'
One man was stabbed and at least 5 others were injured as a stampede greeted the opening of a new IKEA store in London. The store, which was due to remain open 24 hours for its opening day was closed about forty minutes after opening. Store officials cited safety concerns for the closing.
The stampede was prompted by an advertising campaign that promised $84 leather sofas and advised people to arrive at the store before 3:00am to get the best deals.
According to reports, some of those who arrived early "get the best deals" became agitated as some people jumped the queue while they waited. Some began to charge the door.
IKEA blames the chaos on an "unforeseen volume of customers" but that defence rings false. Anyone who has been to an IKEA on a Saturday knows that they are in a situation that could be considered on the precipice of chaos. It is also not the first time the company has faced a stampede at a store opening. In September of 2004, three died in the melee that greeted the opening of an IKEA store in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
IKEA should have expected the vast numbers of people and taken the appropriate security measures. After all, this is not the first time they have opened a store.
Further Reading:
Crush chaos at Ikea store opening (BBC)
'Slowly but steadily, madness descended' (The Guardian)
Bargains spark chaos at Ikea store launch (Daily Mail)
Stampede mars IKEA London opening (CNN)
Stampede at Opening of London IKEA Store (Associated Press)
Three die in Saudi shop stampede (BBC)
Posted by maxthecat on February 10, 2005 at 09:51 AM | Comments (4)
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Posted by: mightymouse on February 10, 2005 at 01:09 PM
Wow people are dying to buy stuff? What has the world come to? But come on, It's IKEAs' fault, when people can't control themselves and act in a civilized manner? Do, we blame IKEA, because a few individuals have an insatiable, uncontrollable desire to have their products. Possibly this is a product of a society that has lost sight of what is really important.
Posted by: Salt-N-Light on February 12, 2005 at 01:47 PM
No, we shouldn't blame IKEA for effectively creating a market for their products. That's good business and should be applauded.
Still, we shouldn't let IKEA off the hook for creating situations they can't control and for which they have a track record.
Crowd control isn't rocket science, it's common sense.
Posted by: maxthecat ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.maxsmewsings.com/nav-commenters.gif)
on February 12, 2005 at 06:38 PM
the hilarity ensues. what's the hype about ikea anyway? dude, fack! dude... have you heard the new radio spot for said swedish outlet? it makes me howlllllll!
Posted by: marlo_girl on February 14, 2005 at 03:48 AM
You would think they'd realize that if you tell everyone to get there early or miss out, people will show up early fearing they'll miss out.