Ikea stores close temporarily in response to coronavirus

Furniture and homeware company Ikea will temporarily close its stores at 6pm on Friday because of the “ongoing risk” posed by the spread of coronavirus.

The move has been described as a “precautionary measure” to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff and applies to all outlets in Scotland, as well as the rest of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The company has not disclosed when it expects to be able to reopen but said it looks forward to welcoming people back to its stores soon.

In the meantime, Ikea said its products can still be bought online and delivered direct – including a contact-free option of delivery.

Peter Jelkeby, country retail manager and chief sustainability officer at Ikea, said: “These are extraordinary times and I know that, like all of us here at Ikea, many of you are concerned about coronavirus.

“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.”

Mr Jelkeby added the health and safety of its customers and co-workers is “our main priority”.