Winners and their friends during the meal at IKEA Arlon;
Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu
On Saturday 29 November 2025, IKEA Arlon marked its 20th anniversary by exceptionally opening its doors after closing time to host a private birthday party for three contest winners born in 2005.
As part of its wider anniversary initiatives, IKEA Arlon had previously organised two exclusive in-store sleepover nights in 2024 for a limited group of participants, offering an overnight experience inside the shop. This year’s birthday celebration continued this approach by bringing together the contest winners and their friends for a party held inside the store.
The contest ran from 6 to 31 October 2025 and attracted more than 115 participants, who entered by completing a short quiz focused on IKEA’s kitchen warranty. The winners were selected through a random draw at the end of the competition period.
The celebration took place in the IKEA bistro area. By the time the party began, most of the store lights had already been switched off, while the food section remained fully operational for the invitees. The dining area was decorated with colourful tableware and a dedicated photo corner. The programme began with an aperitif, followed by a hot-dog dinner prepared by the food department.
The evening continued with a laser game organised inside the showroom and a birthday cake to close the celebration.
Each of the three selected winners, Yona Jervis from Luxembourg, Killian Jarraf from France and Zelie Alexandre from France, invited a small group of friends, bringing the total number of participants to sixteen.
Talking with Chronicle.lu, the winners informally shared their impressions of the evening. Killian Jarraf, who learned about the competition through his colleagues at IKEA, said: “I saw the contest while working in the store and decided to try. I like that we are celebrating with people from Luxembourg, Belgium and France - it feels very multicultural.”
Yona Jervis explained: “My mum spotted the contest during a visit to IKEA and signed me up. I did not expect to win, so receiving the email was a big surprise. I immediately asked my friends to join me.”
Zelie Alexandre, who was also registered by her mother, shared: “My mother received the email saying I had won, but she thought it was a mistake, so I found out only three days later. It is nice to share the evening with people from different countries.”
Several friends of the winners noted that the unusual setting of an almost-empty IKEA felt “a bit surreal at first”, but the atmosphere quickly became relaxed and fun after the shared activities and interaction with friendly staff members.
Anyone born in 2005 can visit the store’s reception to receive a €20 voucher, which is valid until Wednesday 31 December 2025, as part of IKEA Arlon’s wider initiative to celebrate all customers marking their 20th year.
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Winners (L-R): Killian Jarraf; Yona Jervis; Zelie Alexandre
Credit: Elza Osmane, Chronicle.lu
