SCORE of Ikea stores are temporarily closed in line with government lockdown restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of Covid-19.
Here, we take you through which branches remain open and what you can expect when you shop.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Is Ikea open?
Ikea stores in England are temporarily closed due to the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
This is because homeware stores are not considered to be essential.
They will remain closed until lockdown measures are lifted, which is expected to be on December 2 although there is speculation restrictions could be extended.
The Swedish furniture brand's Cardiff store reopens today (November 9) following a two week firebreak lockdown in Wales.
What shops and businesses can remain open during the second England lockdown?
IT is largely the same as the list of those which were allowed to stay open during the March lockdown. These include:
- Supermarkets
- Newsagents
- Convenience stores
- Food markets
- Corner shops
- Takeaways and food deliveries
- Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries)
- Pharmacies and chemists
- Hardware stores
- Building merchants and building services
- Petrol stations
- Car repair and MOT services
- Bicycle shops
- Taxi or vehicle hire businesses
- Banks
- Building societies
- Credit unions
- Short term loan providers
- Savings clubs
- Cash points
- Currency exchanges
- Money transfer shops
- Post offices
- Funeral directors
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Dental services
- Opticians
- Hearing services
- Chiropody
- Chiropractors
- Osteopaths
- Mental health services
- Vets
- Pet shops
- Agricultural supplies shop
- Storage and distribution facilities
- Car parks
- Public toilets
- Garden centres
- Retail shops in hospitals
Branches in Scotland and Northern Ireland as currently open.
Ikea restaurants are only open in the Edinburgh and Glasgow warehouses, while the Swedish Food Market is open at the Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow shops.
All indoor and outdoor play areas and Småland crèches remain closed.
What safety measures are in place?
Ikea introduced a string of safety measures when stores reopened after the first lockdown.
These include two-metre distancing, screens, cashless payments only, and deeper and more frequent cleaning routines.
At the time of reopening, country retail manager and chief sustainability officer Peter Jelkeby said: "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."
Ikea first closed all its UK and Ireland stores on Friday, March 20 2020 following the coronavirus outbreak.
A statement from the retailer read: "As a precautionary measure against the ongoing risk of Covid-19, we have decided that, at 6pm on Friday 20th March, we will temporarily close all IKEA stores across the UK to customers.”
Can I order for home delivery?
Yes, customers are able to order online and will have the product delivered directly to their doorstep.
There is a delivery fee though, which ranges from £2 to £50 depending on the service you choose.
For example, the cheapest option is to have your parcel delivered to a DPD pick up point.
Home delivery, which can take one to three days, for a parcel costs £4 if it's small, £15 for a medium package and £19 for a large parcel.
Selected day delivery for large orders cost £40 and takes four to 30 days, while express delivery costs £50 and takes one to three days.
Are click and collect options available?
Click and collect facilities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are open throughout lockdown.
Shoppers can pick up their orders contact free and can choose when they want to collect it, and it can be as soon as the next day.
The extra safety measures mean staff won't be able to help load heavy or bulky items into your car.
The retailer suggests there are no more than two people per vehicle and that you stay in your car when possible.
Source: Read Full Article
