IKEA is set to close all 22 of its UK stores at 6pm tomorrow (Friday March 20), due to coronavirus.
In a statement released this afternoon, IKEA confirmed the decision to close all UK and Ireland stores until further notice. However, customers will still be able to make online purchases, with the option for contact-free deliveries.
IKEA had already closed its restaurants and cafés due to COVID-19, but they’ve now made the decision to close the doors entirely, with no clear reopening date at this time.
In a tweet, they said: “These are extraordinary times & our absolute priority is to ensure the health & safety of our customers & co-workers. As a precautionary measure against the ongoing risk of COVID-19, we will temporarily close all UK & Ireland stores to customers on 20th March, 6pm.”
1/3 These are extraordinary times & our absolute priority is to ensure the health & safety of our customers & co-workers. As a precautionary measure against the ongoing risk of COVID-19, we will temporarily close all UK & Ireland stores to customers on 20th March, 6pm.
— IKEA UK (@IKEAUK) March 19, 2020
The thread continues, “You will continue to be able to browse and purchase our range online or through the app, and have our products delivered directly to you. You will also be able to request a contact-free delivery if you prefer.
Co-workers are at the heart of our business & we’re committed to supporting them in the best possible way during this complex & evolving situation. We look forward to welcoming you back to our stores soon & thank you for your understanding. Read more.”
Co-workers are at the heart of our business & we’re committed to supporting them in the best possible way during this complex & evolving situation. We look forward to welcoming you back to our stores soon & thank you for your understanding. Read more https://t.co/PkzIuSBPbV
— IKEA UK (@IKEAUK) March 19, 2020
In a message on their website, the company’s Country Retail Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer (UK and Ireland) Peter Jelkeby said: “These are extraordinary times and I know that, like all of us here at IKEA, many of you are concerned about coronavirus (COVID-19). Our thoughts are with all those affected and the people working tirelessly to care for them.
“We are guided in our decisions by the directions from the Government, by our global company direction and by our strong set of IKEA principles and values.
The health and safety of our customers and co-workers across the UK and Ireland is our main priority, and so I wanted to share some of the things we are doing in our stores to keep our customers and co-workers safe and cared for.”
He continues to warn customers that due to high demand, they are experiencing longer delivery times than normal.
The website states that planned kitchen installations will still go ahead for now, and pre-booked kitchen planning appointments are likely to go virtual. You can see all the information here.