An Ikea store has been forced to introduce a “precautionary measure” following multiple incidents which “affected” staff wellbeing.
The furniture store in Churchill Square Shopping Centre in Brighton said it “felt the need” to introduce the new policy to avoid group gatherings.
However, it did not go into detail about what measures have been introduced.
An Ikea spokesman said: “We want all customers to feel welcome and safe.
“After a number of recent incidents which have affected other customers and our co-workers’ wellbeing, we have felt the need to introduce a precautionary measure to avoid gatherings of larger groups.”
The spokesman added that Ikea “remains committed” to handling situations “with fairness and sensitivity”.
According to local newspaper The Argus, the new measures came to light after an incident at the store last month.
Steven Paul said his 18-year-old son had visited the store with a friend looking to buy items to redecorate his room.
Ikea said it had introduced measures to ‘avoid gatherings of larger groups’ in the store
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PA
However, he claimed a member of security staff refused their entry to the store.
Ikea said the decision was down to the new policy preventing large gatherings and issued an apology for how the situation was handled.
The Swedish furniture chain opened its Brighton store in August last year.
The 6,695 square metre store spans across two storeys and features thousands of home furnishing accessories and furniture items.
Market manager Karina Gilpin said upon its opening: “This store represents our commitment to making Ikea more accessible to city residents.
“Whether customers visit to explore our inspiring roomsets, plan their dream spaces or simply to enjoy a taste of Sweden, we hope everyone feels at home here.”