CONSUMER COUNCIL WELCOMES IKEA’S COMMITMENT TO GOOD CUSTOMER CARE

"We were delighted to accept IKEA's invitation to run this seminar and we commend them for their commitment to improving customer care.

"With research showing consumers are now twice as confident as they were in 2003 about expressing their consumer rights, it is essential that businesses are equally confident in their understanding of consumer law and their ability to handle enquiries and complaints fairly and consistently. Confident customers keep businesses on their toes and stimulate genuine competition that both consumers and businesses can benefit from."

"As well as calls from consumers we receive many requests from businesses seeking advice on how best to handle queries and complaints. We provide that service over the phone and also at events like these which are a great opportunity for retailers and their staff to learn how they can improve consumers' overall shopping experience and in turn encourage repeat business to their store. We encourage more businesses to get in touch if they feel they could benefit from advice to resolve issues before they escalate into a bigger complaint."

"Good customer service is at the heart of IKEA's ethos and we are very pleased to be working with the Consumer Council to ensure best practice. A recent survey revealed that IKEA is the world's most trusted retail brand - a clear demonstration of IKEA's commitment to offering consumer quality, value and excellent service. However, we are always seeking out new opportunities to improve and hope that the Consumer Council's seminar will equip us further to better serve our customers."