Ikea stores in Scotland to remain open in level four lockdown

Scotland’s Ikea stores will remain open despite the country being placed in a level four lockdown from Boxing Day.

The Swedish furniture company said because homeware is designated as essential retail in Scotland, its Edinburgh and Glasgow branches will still be able to welcome in customers.

Aberdeen’s Ikea order and collection point will also stay open from December 26 despite tougher restrictions.

The retail giant will close stores in England’s south east, London and Wales, but delivery and click and collect services will still remain.

The update comes after the First Minister announced the majority of Scotland will be put into a full lockdown from Boxing Day.

All non-essential retail stores must close – and pubs and restaurants will also shut, but takeaways will still be allowed.

An Ikea spokesperson said: “In these continuing extraordinary times, we would like to thank all our customers for their support and our co-workers for their amazing agility and togetherness.

“Since the first lockdown we have put all our efforts into keeping our customers and co-workers safe and enabling our customers to continue to shop with us in new and convenient ways.

“In line with government guidance, our stores in London, Lakeside, Milton Keynes, Reading and Cardiff have now closed to customers but will continue to operate Click & Collect, Home Delivery, and Click & Deliver services to DPD points.

“In Scotland, where homeware is designated as essential retail, and in line with rules regarding travel, we will remain open with extensive safety measures in place for customers and co-workers.

“With life at home more important than ever, we look forward to continuing to meet our customers’ needs whether in-store or through our digital channels.”