Ikea stops selling blinds with cords

The new policy kicks in today at Ikea stores in the USA “The Swedish furniture retailer plans to go global with this policy by January 1, 2016”.

An average of one child per month died from strangulation by window cords between 1996 and 2012, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a fact that spurred IKEA’s decision.

“We require our responsibility for being dependable seller seriously and are also excited to become the first most significant vendor in Canada to promote only battery blinds and coverings”, says Stefan Sjöstrand, leader, Ikea Canada.

IKEA’s US stores will no longer stock window blinds with pull cords, a product long-blamed for strangulation deaths and injuries to children. “Ikea is committed to working together with our customers to raise awareness of this important issue and to help families get the knowledge they need to ensure a safer everyday life at home”. A year ago the IKEA.com websites attracted 1.6 billion visitors.