Ben Schumin Photography Portfolio

Sign at the main entrance for the IKEA store in Baltimore County, Maryland advising patrons of the store's policies regarding patrons under the age of 18. The policy requires that from 4 PM to closing, patrons who are under 18 are required to be supervised by an adult 21 years or older, and proof of age is required. Note that they don't use the term "customers" for patrons who are under 18. I can only assume that the store doesn't consider them customers, but rather consider them to be nuisances.

Generally speaking, I find these sorts of policies to be highly offensive, and drive away future customers. The idea is that these people may not be able to spend massive amounts of money today, but they may be in a better position financially in the future. So treat them well now, because people remember when they are treated poorly, and won't patronize a place as an adult that made them feel unwelcome when they were younger. Therefore, I feel no sympathy when businesses that do this end up losing their customers, because they made their bed by making their customers feel unwelcome years prior.

Ben Schumin is a professional photographer who captures the intricacies of daily life. This image is all rights reserved. Contact me directly for licensing information.