New rules as IKEA reopens - but there'll be no Swedish meatballs for Leeds customers

The huge store, in Birstall Shopping Park, will reopen to the public on Monday, June 1.

New safety measures have been introduced as well as reduced opening hours.

The company has asked shoppers to shop alone.

The only exceptions are if shoppers need special assistance or need to bring their children with them.

IKEA asks that if assistance is required, that the second person be from the same household.

There will also be a queuing system in place to manage entry into the store.

Staff and signage will be helping customers stick to social distancing guidelines inside the shop.

Hand sanitisers will be stationed throughout the store, as will new protective screens at key points such as checkouts.​

The store will be card/cashless payments only.

IKEA restaurants will be closed.

Takeaway is being introduced in other stores but not the Leeds store.

The Småland crèche and other indoor and outdoor play areas will remain closed.

An IKEA spokesman said: "We’re excited to announce that from 1st June we will be welcoming you back to our IKEA stores in England and Northern Ireland.​

"​Of course, the safety of our customers and co-workers remains the highest priority so we have been working hard to welcome you back safely. ​

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"We’ve introduced new measures so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable shopping experience.​

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"So we hope to be saying a socially-distanced ‘hej’ to you soon.

IKEA will be open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday.

On Sunday, it will be open from 11am to 5pm.

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