IKEA to temporarily close all UK stores

IKEA has joined a growing list of retailers who have taken the decision to temporarily close their stores due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The retailer will be shutting all UK stores on 20 March at 6pm.

Peter Jelkeby, IKEA country retail manager and chief sustainability officer, said: “These are extraordinary times, and our absolute priority is to ensure the health and safety of our customers and co-workers. We have listened carefully to them, to the advice of the UK and Ireland governments, and have been closely monitoring the situation as this evolves. This is the right decision for us to take at this point. We look forward to welcoming our customers back to our stores in the future.”

In line with recommendations from local authorities, IKEA has already closed its restaurants, cafes and bistros, introduced enhanced cleaning routines, and closed the playgrounds outside of its stores.

Customers will still be able to shop with IKEA online and request contact-free deliveries if they prefer.

Jelkeby added: “As a company who cares deeply about people and the planet, our thoughts are with all those affected by the virus and those working tirelessly to care for them.”

Source: The Retail Bulletin