Ikea stores across the UK reopened their doors to customers today.
The Swedish furniture giant closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic but welcomed back customers this morning.
Shoppers faced estimated queues of between half an hour and one hour outside Ikea's Warrington base – although it was reportedly even busier earlier this morning, with customers queueing from 8am.
There were long delays for drivers on the roads around the Gemini Retail Park store as a result, with few spaces to be found in the car park.
Several cars were seen turning around and leaving the area due to the length of the tailbacks.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.
The Ikea store in Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester, also reopened with long queues reported.
Stores are reopening with strict social distancing measures in place.
These include card payments only, increased cleaning regimes and advice to shop alone if possible.
And its instore restaurants, creches and play areas remain closed at the present time.
Current opening hours are 10am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
A spokesman said: "The safety of our customers and coworkers remains the highest priority, so we have been working hard to welcome you back safely.
"We’ve introduced new measures so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable shopping experience.
"So we hope to be saying a socially-distanced ‘hej’ to you soon."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel