Secret codes in IKEA, broadcasted through the store's loudspeakers, constitute an internal language specifically designed for employees. They are regularly updated, so an exchange of deciphered codes may be possible in the near future. The Swedish furniture giant itself does not confirm the interpretations circulating on the internet.
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Nevertheless, it's worth knowing their meanings. For instance, "Lucky Luke" signals to employees that additional cash registers or the goods pick-up area need to be staffed because the number of customers is too high.
Secret codes in IKEA: Decoding
The code 300 means that a customer has sustained an injury, prompting contact with the appropriate department. Of course, medical personnel will be directly summoned if needed.
Parents should pay attention to code 500, which informs employees that a child cannot be found. If a child is genuinely lost, an announcement will call on all customers to help in the search.
Announcing code 1000 signals an initially unconfirmed alarm preparing for a possible customer evacuation. If there is no false alarm, serious difficulties can be assumed.
According to prosieben.de, alarms are typically divided into 3 levels with multiple announcements.
- The first announcement indicates an unconfirmed alarm.
- After the second announcement, employees will be preparing for evacuation.
- The third announcement signifies the highest level of alarm and prepares customers for evacuation.
No need to panic.
The announcement could also be a false alarm or an emergency preparedness drill. In the event of an actual emergency, trained staff will provide very clear instructions for all customers to follow.
Customers hear code 89 when there is an emergency involving staff. Typically, this means that additional staff needs to be mobilized to retrieve goods due to a high number of customers.
Some mysterious codes, like code 17 for an employee restroom visit or code 88 for cleaning or repairs in a department, seem to be prevalent abroad but not in Germany.
Among the peculiar alerts is the code "Pippi Langstrumpf," which warns security personnel, for example, in the case of a theft in the store.
