Huge queues for IKEA as Dublin store reopens for first time since #Covid-19 closures

Few Billy bookcases going, or?

There are huge queues this morning as Dublin's IKEA stores reopens for the first time since the Covid-19 closures. The Ballymun store and Carrickmines order and collection point reopened today, June 8, with new health and safety measures in place to protect against the spread of coronavirus. This comes as Ireland moves into Phase Two of the government's roadmap for reopening the economy. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed last week that an "accelerated Phase Two" will be commencing today, allowing for the reopening of all shops that can implement social distancing measures. IKEA's new Covid-19 safely measures include:

• A limited numbers of customers in store at any one time, with a limit of two people per customer group
• A staggered entry system and restricted car parking
• The placement of Social Distance Wardens throughout the store
• Additional hand sanitiser facilities and more frequent deep cleaning routines for bags, trolleys, bathrooms, rest areas, equipment and touchscreens

Customers have been urged to "come prepared" with lists and use their own bags while shopping. All transactions will be contactless. The store's foodcourt and playground will remain closed for the foreseeable future. IKEA is one of the first major retailers in Ireland to reopen since the Covid-19 closures back in March. Later this week, Brown Thomas and Arnotts will stagger the reopening of their stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. On Wednesday June 10, Brown Thomas's Dublin branch will open its beauty hall, accessory hall, MAC store, Hermes store, and Louis Vuitton boutique. Each section will operate as separate individual stores and will be accessible via different doors on the ground level of the store. On Thursday June 11, Arnotts will reopen three separate stores, including their full beauty section, in a similar manner. Penneys have also announced plans to start reopening stores on Friday, June 12. Retailers with street access will open from Friday June 12 while stores located in shopping centres will open on June 15. Images via Trine Jensen-Burke.