The IKEA furniture store is apologizing to the Royal Canadian Legion after it reversed its decision not to allow the sale of poppies at its Montreal store.

The incident began when the St. Laurent Royal Canadian Legion branch called the manager of the IKEA store to arrange their usual table for the poppy campaign.

The manager told them there was no room and that the UNICEF Christmas table had taken up all the space the outlet had available for charities. The rebuke triggered a backlash that had some residents calling radio talks show to complain.

The volunteer who works the UNICEF table was devastated when she learned she wouldn't be sharing her spot with war veteran Robbie Robertson this year.

"We share war stories and books. I've been to his home, he's just a fantastic representative for the veterans," UNICEF volunteer Lisa LaLonde told CFCF News.

IKEA had a change heart and opened the way for the Legion to set up its poppy table at the main entrance of the store after issuing a public apology.

"First and foremost I really want to apologize on behalf of IKEA to all the veterans," Francesca Tancredi said, adding that the decision wasn't consistent with all the good community work the company does.

"It's a great place for them to be (at the entrance)...that's where everybody comes in from, so it will be a good spot for them and they're coming in on Friday," Tancredi said.

Robertson said the response has been overwhelming since word began to spread. One anonymous donor offered to provide the legion $3,000 to offset its losses through Montreal's Sun Youth charity organization.

"We've had other major stores calling...(saying) legionnaires are welcome to bring in their poppy trays for the poppy campaign," Robertson said.

Tancredi said she hopes the poppy campaign goes well and IKEA customers are pleased with the way the situation was resolved.

"I came down to buy poppies. I was hoping the table was set up I think IKEA did the right thing in making an apology and setting things right," one customer said.

Based on report by CTV's Bob Benedetti