IKEA lovers, rejoice. It’s time to dust down your big blue bags because IKEA has reopened across England, Scotland and Wales. After restrictions eased across large parts of the UK this Monday, April 12th, our favorite home decor paradise announced customers could return to their stores. However, current government guidance will reopen shops in Northern Ireland in May.
To make the good news even tastier, IKEA revealed their Swedish Food Market and Bistro take-away will also serve up quick bites, so you can refuel after making up for lost time on the candle and plant aisle (no judgment here). The main restaurants and all play areas will remain closed for now.
Is it safe to visit IKEA?
Following UK government advice, IKEA and many other non-essential shops are open for business from this week. While the restrictions ease, IKEA has added some new special measures to ensure you can shop safely. According to their website, they will regulate the number of customers at any one time, and wardens will enforce social distancing wherever necessary.
IKEA also requests numbers are kept at a minimum, so visit alone if possible or in a maximum one-household group of 4. There will also be car park safe spacing management and security.
Other measures include regular hand sanitizer facilities and a frequent deep cleaning routine. Payment will be contactless only, and there will be Perspex screens to enable social distancing.
You can use IKEA gift cards if your local store is open, but you can't use them in the bistro for the moment. You must also wear a mask unless you are exempt for valid reasons.
See: Take a peek at IKEA’s latest collection for the summer – including our Editor’s best picks
Can I still use IKEA's click and collect?
If you become accustomed to IKEA’s click and collect service during the lockdown, don’t worry, you don’t need to give it up now the store has reopened. As before, the service remains quick, easy, and entirely contact-free. This means you need to bring someone from your household or bubble to give you a hand with bulky or heavy items.
What about home delivery?
See: Five cool ways to style the IKEA RUDSTA – the cabinet taking Instagram by storm
Yes, you can still enjoy IKEA home delivery. Parcel delivery options begin from £2, so you easily enjoy the fun of IKEA from your own home. It is, however, important to allow extra time for your delivery, as the process is understandably taking longer throughout this particularly busy period.
Kitchen installation and measuring services can also continue in most parts of the UK, apart from Scotland.
Our favorite weekend activity has now officially resumed, and we've never felt happier.