Ikea announces reopening of Scottish stores next week

Furniture giant Ikea has announced it will open its Edinburgh and Glasgow stores, as well as its order and collection point in Aberdeen next week.

Strict safety measures have been put in place in each branch due to the ongoing pandemic which forced the chain to close its doors in March.

A limited number of customers will be allowed in the store at one time, and social-distance wardens will be placed throughout the store to help customers follow the new one-way system.

The stores will open their doors on Monday, June 22.

The announcement comes as the country enters the second phase in the route out of lockdown.

Nicola Sturgeon announced on Thursday that non-essential shops of any size will be able to reopen provided they have outdoor entrances and exits.

Ikea stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh will be open from 10am-8pm Monday to Sunday, while Aberdeen’s order and collection point will operate between 10am-7pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends.

Peter Jelkeby, UK & IE country CEO and CSO, said: “As we look to warmly welcome customers and co-workers back into our stores in Scotland, their health and safety remain our top priority, and that’s why we’ve put in place extensive measures to ensure their safety and comfort.

“This range of comprehensive measures has been implemented in accordance with government guidelines, as well as building on learnings from other Ikea countries that have reopened ahead of us.

“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, we’ve had the unique privilege of being a part of people’s every-day lives at home, and we’re committed to continuing doing whatever we can to support our customers and co-workers on this next part of the journey we take together.”