Ikea introduces new shopping rules as 19 stores reopen to the public

Swedish furniture giant Ikea is set to reopen its doors for the first time in two months on June 1, as retailers across the UK slowly get back to business following 10 weeks of closures.

A total of 19 stores will re-emerge from lockdown, though its restaurants will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

The majority will be in England and Northern Ireland - with branches in stores in Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland set to remain shut in accordance with local Government guidelines.

Enhanced safety measures when stores reopen will include limited customer numbers and a staggered entry system to keep in line with social distancing rules.

Initially, all play areas and restaurants will remain closed.

However, the chain's Bistro, which operates a contact-free takeaway service, will be open with two-metre social distancing and cashless payments only in place.

Peter Jelkeby, at Ikea, said: "We’re looking forward to warmly welcoming customers and co-workers back into our stores from 1 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."

You can see the full list of Ikea stores reopening, here.

Socially distanced shopping

To ensure a safe shopping experience, Ikea is asking customers to shop alone or, where absolutely necessary, with just one other member of their household.

There will be a queuing system outside to manage entry into the store.

Wardens and signs will be displayed throughout branches to guide shoppers in line with social distancing guidelines.

Extra cleaning and safety checks

Workers will be on hand to carry out extra hygiene checks throughout the day, making sure all stores are well sterilised to keep them as safe as possible.

Hand sanitisers will be stationed throughout the store, as will new protective screens at key points such as checkouts.

Ikea says it's urging all customers to come prepared with ready-made lists and their own bags.

Cashless only

Ikea says it will only accept cashless payments to reduce the amount of contact between shoppers and co-workers.

It has also installed safety screens at key points across the store including at checkouts to provide extra protection.

Shorter opening times

All Ikea branches will be operating slightly shorter trading hours for the next few weeks, at least.

This will be 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.