This initiative is intended to adapt spaces to the pet-friendly concept, maintaining a balance between the interests of clients and sanitary standards.
From Monday, the Ikea company opened the doors of all its furniture hypermarkets and planning studios for visitors with dogs, including branches in Munich. On the social network Instagram, the German representative office of Ikea announced this innovation, publishing a video recording with the words: “Many of you have been waiting for this for a long time.” The publication gathered about 38 thousand “like” marks.
For visiting stores with pets, strict requirements are provided. Dogs must be carried in special bags, baskets, or backpacks, or constantly kept on a short leash. Animals are prohibited from being in the bistro area, the grocery store, in the restaurant serving area, as well as in the Småland children’s playroom.
Exceptions to Ikea Rules Are Provided Only for Guide Dogs and Other Service Dogs
Trained guide dogs and certified assistant dogs do not fall under the effect of these restrictions. All responsibility for the behavior of animals is borne by their owners. Before the entrances to the shopping centers, bowls with water have already been installed and places for tethering dogs have been equipped in case a four-legged pet needs a rest during the making of purchases.
This announcement caused a wide discussion in the comments on Instagram. While one of the female users wrote: “Wonderful! We are incredibly glad! Thank you!”, another expressed criticism: “I consider this decision questionable. When there are many people in the store, one will have to additionally watch out not to trip over dogs or their leashes.”
Another participant in the discussion, who named herself a dog owner and a mother, tried to smooth over the disagreements: “One can maintain distance, go around each other, or simply show mutual respect — exactly the same as we do every day in parks, pedestrian zones, and other public places.”
Public Significance of the Initiative
The decision of the retailer demonstrates the readiness of big business to react flexibly to the demands of an urbanized society. The experience of Munich will show how successfully the new model can function in the conditions of large-scale halls without creating obstacles to the comfort and safety of the rest of the shoppers.
