About a year ago, we bought the Friheten corner sofa from IKEA. Shortly after, the sofa started to pill, but we didn’t think much of it at the time. However, before a year had passed, and despite the sofa being used only occasionally in the guest room, nearly the entire surface had pilled. We contacted IKEA, and they said they would send someone to look into it. A few days later, an employee named F*** came to check the issue. He mentioned that pilling happens with all these sofas and that the ones in the showrooms start pilling after just 3-4 months. He also told me that even if the sofa was replaced, the same issue would occur again, but assured me the fabric would be replaced and that I would be contacted by the evening. After waiting for three days without hearing anything, I called again, only to be told that the pilling was "normal" due to the cotton fabric. However, when the product was being introduced in the store, no such information was provided. I’m unsure what’s more concerning: that the employee blatantly lied professionally, or that a brand like IKEA doesn’t stand behind its defective products. As a lawyer, I will take legal action to assert my rights, as usual. But I wanted consumers to be aware of the kind of company they might be dealing with. Necessary emails will also be sent to IKEA’s international representatives about this situation. I believe this dismissive approach is unique to Turkey and is a result of poor management. I hope IKEA reconsiders its policies and learns to act in accordance with consumer rights and as a responsible merchant.
