IKEA is set to reopen stores across England and Northern Ireland on 1 June.
The homeware chain said that social distancing wardens will be patrolling the stores and the number of customers permitted to enter would be limited.
In March, prior to the Government lockdown, IKEA voluntarily closed its stores, to ensure customer and co-worker safety.
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Drawing on its experience of reopening IKEA stores safely in a number of countries around the world and following new Government guidance around social distancing and safe ways of working, IKEA is looking forward to reopening its stores, having implemented a series of enhanced safety measures, to protect co-workers and those customers wanting to shop in-store.
These measures include:
⦁ Limited numbers of customers in the store at one time. A staggered entry system and restricted car parking will be in place and, in line with guidance, one adult and one child per household will be permitted in-store at any one point.
⦁ Social Distance Wardens throughout the store to help customers find their way round the new one-way system and ensure new social distancing measures are being followed.
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⦁ Customers are urged to come prepared with ready-made lists and their own bags, and those wishing purely to return items, are encouraged to do so at a later date. IKEA has a 365 day returns policy.
⦁ Additional hand sanitiser facilities and 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, to enable social distancing.
⦁ Planning services will only be available online.
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⦁ Cashless payments only, by card and contactless.
⦁ All play areas will remain closed, as will the customer restaurant.
⦁ Swedish Food Market will be open, with the Bistro offering a takeaway service
Peter Jelkeby, UK&IE Country CEO and CSO, said: "We're looking forward to warmly welcoming customers and co-workers back into our stores from 1st June.
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"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.
"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 everyday 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."
IKEA confirmed to LADbible that stores in Scotland and Wales will remain closed until further notice.
Featured Image Credit: PA