IKEA reveals first look at new safety measures ahead of opening of North East branch on Monday, June 1

A company spokesman has confirmed that the Gateshead branch of IKEA, on Pinetree Way, would welcome customers back through the doors from Monday – but with an extensive list of measures in place to ensure social distancing, and protect the safety of both shoppers and staff.

Ahead of the opening, the firm has released images taken at its Greenwich store showing some of the preparations which have been going on behind the scenes to facilitate a safe shopping experience for all who visit.

New measures include the implementation of new social distance wardens, who will help shoppers navigate their way through a strict one-way system, a staggered entry queue and floor markers to make sure visitors observe social distancing.

IKEA in Gateshead has been closed since Friday, March 20 as Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed coronavirus lockdown measures across the nation.

The site was then used as a drive-through Covid-19 test centre for NHS staff.

Other measures put in place to protect shoppers include cashless payments, screens at key areas and additional hand sanisiting facilities.

Peter Jelkeby, IKEA UK & IE Country CEO and CSO, said: “We’re looking forward to warmly welcoming customers and co-workers back into our stores from June 1.

“Their health and safety remains our top priority, and that’s why we’ve put in place extensive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of customers and co-workers.

“While the experience might be a little different to before – it’s the same IKEA, with the vision to ‘create a better everyday life for the many people’, and the ambition to inspire people through our brilliant affordable range and home furnishing advice.

“Throughout lockdown, we’ve had the unique privilege of being a part of people’s everyday lives at home, and we’re committed to continuing doing whatever we can to support our customers and co-workers on this next part of the journey we take together.”

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