IKEA to Reopen 19 Stores on 1st June

IKEA plans to reopen 19 stores across England and Northern Ireland from 1st June, the Swedish home furnishing retailer has confirmed. However, in line with government guidelines, stores in Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will remain closed.

The reopening comes after Ikea voluntarily closed all its stores on 20th March, prior to the government's lockdown rules.

Ikea confirms that its contact-free Click & Collect facilities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will reopen in a phased approach, while its smaller London Planning Studios and Order & Collection Points will remain closed during the first phase of reopening.

Plus, following the news earlier this year that Ikea's Coventry store would close in summer 2020, the store will now not reopen to customers and will remain closed.

What steps are IKEA taking to keep people safe?

In line with the government's social distancing measures, the following changes will be implemented:

• A limited number of customers will be allowed in store at any one time with a staggered entry system.

• There will also be Social Distancing Wardens throughout stores to help customers find their way round a new one-way system and ensure social distancing is being followed

• Additional hand sanitiser facilities throughout the store

• More frequent deep cleaning routines for bags, trolleys, bathrooms, rest areas, equipment and touchscreens

• Screens at key areas such as checkouts, service points and customer returns

• Contactless payment. 

Customers are urged to come prepared with shopping lists and their own bags. Ikea is also advising shoppers who purely wish to return items, not to come to stores in the first instance. With a 365 day returns policy, customers should, where possible, return items at a later date when they will find it easier to do so.

'We’re looking forward to warmly welcoming customers and co-workers back into our stores from 1st June. Their health and safety remains our top priority, and that’s why we’ve put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of customers and co-workers,' says Peter Jelkeby, UK & IE Country CEO and CSO. 'While the experience might be a little different to before – it’s the same Ikea, with the vision to "create a better everyday life for the many people", and the ambition to inspire people through our brilliant affordable range and home furnishing advice.'

Throughout lockdown, Ikea has been supporting its local communities and the NHS by reopening four Swedish Food Markets to key workers – giving them access to essential items – and transforming its Gateshead and Wembley car parks into drive-through test centres so NHS staff could be tested for the virus.

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.