Ikea announces it is closing all its UK stores

Ikea is the latest big name to announce it is closing all its stores.

The Swedish home furnishings firm has announced it is closing all of its UK and Ireland branches as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

The company has two major stores in the North West in Warrington and Ashton-under-Lyne in Manchester.

The company said it would continue to offer online sales and delivering products directly to consumers.

Several other chains have already closed down including Selfridges and more are expected to follow suit in the coming days.

Peter Jelkeby, Ikea’s retail manager and chief sustainability officer for the UK and Ireland, said: “These are extraordinary times and our thoughts are with all those affected and the people working tirelessly to care for them.

“We are guided in our decisions by the directions from the Government, by our global company direction and by our strong set of Ikea principles and values.

“The health and safety of our customers and co-workers across the UK and Ireland is our main priority.

“As a precautionary measure against the ongoing risk of covid-19, we have decided that at 6pm on Friday March 20, we will temporarily close all the Ikea stores across the UK and Ireland to customers.

“You will continue to be able to browse and purchase our range online or through the app and have our products delivered directly.

“You will also be able to request a contact-free delivery if you prefer.

“For people with pre-booked kitchen planning appointments, we will be in touch to discuss virtual or remote planning options.”

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