Credit: Getty
A POPULAR part of busy Ikea stores in Scotland has been forced to shut.
The Swedish furniture giant has confirmed its supervised creche, known as Småland, is no longer operating at its Edinburgh and Glasgow branches.
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Småland has closed in both the Edinburgh and Glasgow Ikea storesCredit: Supplied
Småland is a free play area usually found near the entrance of many Ikea stores.
It allowed families to drop off children aged three to 10 for up to an hour while they hit the showroom.
But the much-loved service has now disappeared from both of the retailer’s central Scotland stores.
It is understood Ikea’s Aberdeen branch did not have a Småland facility.
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It is not yet clear what the now-closed areas in the Glasgow and Edinburgh stores will be turned into.
A statement on Ikea’s website for both branches says: “Småland has now closed and is no longer operational in Glasgow / Edinburgh. We apologise for any inconvenience.”
A notice at the former Edinburgh creche tells customers: “Playtime doesn’t end here. Småland has been a place for laughter, imagination and many happy moments.
“Sadly, our play area in this store has now closed. Watch this space as we build on what comes next.”
Parents have been left devastated by the closure.
One mum wrote on Facebook: “My child loves the creche in Edinburgh Ikea. Such a shame when it was so well used.”
Another said: “Gutted as our little boy loved it.”
Ikea has been contacted for comment.