Is Ikea closing during lockdown? Latest coronavirus information for its Southampton shop
Shops and businesses across England will close from the start of November as part of the country’s second nationwide lockdown this year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered all ‘non-essential’ retailers to shut their stores between November 5 and December 2 in a bid to prevent coronavirus spreading.
Huge queues have been spotted outside high street stores across the country as shoppers try to get some Christmas shopping done before they close their doors.
The government has released a list of businesses which can stay open – including hardware shops and food retailers – and there has been some confusion online over whether Ikea will also be closing.
The Swedish retailer, which has a branch in Southampton, closed all of its UK stores during the first lockdown earlier this year.
Here is everything you need to know.
Is Ikea closing its shops?
Unfortunately for customers, Ikea will be closing all of its shops in England – including in Southampton – from November 5.
Its stores in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be remaining open during that time in line with restrictions in those nations, and its Cardiff branch will reopen on November 9.
At the same time Ikea restaurants are shutting in England on November 5, and play areas will remain closed for now.
Can I order online from Ikea?
Yes you can – customers will be able to order through contactless click and collect and home delivery services.
With the click and collect option you can pick up your purchases from the Southampton store, but the company has asked people not to buy bulky items as staff will not be able to help transport them to your vehicle due to coronavirus restrictions.
You can also use Ikea’s free online planning services to help you order your items and organise delivery.
What has Ikea said?
A statement on Ikea’s website said: ‘Due to the country-wide lockdown in England, we will close our England stores from Thursday 5th November.
‘Just as it has been since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, our number one priority continues to be the safety of our co-workers and customers.
‘That’s why our extensive safety measures will be in operation across all of our services.’
The company also told the Financial Times it expects the second lockdown closure to have less impact on its business than the one earlier this year.