IKEA: here are the new rules for shopping there this weekend

This means that north west residents on the lookout for some home improvements will be able to return to the IKEA on the Gemini Retail Park in Warrington after a long wait during lockdown.

But for those making their way there this weekend, a series of stringent and enhanced safety measures will be in place to ensure the safety and comfort of co-workers and customers wanting to shop in-store.

These measures include:

· On-site temperature checks for co-workers

· Enhanced social distance guidance and signage throughout

· A staggered entry system and limited numbers of customers granted entry in store at any one time.

· Social distance wardens to help customers and ensure everyone is following social distancing measures.

· Additional hand sanitiser facilities and more frequent deep cleaning routines for bags, trolleys, bathrooms, rest areas, equipment and touchscreens

· Face coverings for co-workers and customers

· Screens at key areas such as checkouts, service points and customer returns, to enable social distancing

· In-store planning services to resume with screens and social distancing

· Cashless payments, by card and contactless, preferred

· All play areas and the customer restaurant to remain closed.

In line with Government guidelines, IKEA restaurants will remain closed until May 17, although Bistros, which operate a contact-free takeaway service will remain open, as will Swedish Food Markets, so that much-loved food items can still be made at home.

"Over the past year, we've placed more demands on our homes than ever before, needing them to be spaces where we can live, work and play; fulfilling both our physical and emotional needs.

“Knowing that some of these shifts in our lifestyles, such as working from home, will become increasingly permanent over the coming years, our homes will need to become even more versatile and adaptable.

"As such we’re really looking forward to welcoming customers safely back into our stores, inspiring people to live a better and more sustainable everyday through our range of affordable home furnishings.”

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