Ikea reopened this week: here’s what happened and the best new buys – Real Homes

On Monday 1st June, the day we'd all awaited finally came: Ikea reopened their doors after 10 weeks of being closed to the public. And if the queues were anything to go by, this was pretty exciting news for everyone.

In fact, it's been widely reported by shoppers at all 19 newly reopened stores, that despite warnings about Ikea limiting the number of shoppers allows in store at one time, queues made up of thousands of keen shoppers snaked around Ikea car parks across the country. From mile long queues in Ikea stores on the outskirts of London, to reports of shoppers queueing from as early as 5:40 in Warrington, to say that Brits were desperate to get back to Ikea is something of an understatement.

There's even a joke circulating the internet about it: 'What's the difference between a kilometre long queue at IKEA and a kilometre long queue at parliament? At IKEA at least you get a decent cabinet at the end.' Boom boom!

Only time will tell how the Ikea shopping experience will evolve over coming weeks particularly with regards to mile long queues. But for now, we've listed details of what to expect should you decide to brave a trip to Ikea and what you should get your hands on if you do make it in. Alternatively, it's worth remembering that you can shop online perhaps this is the one time that the 39 delivery fee actually feels worth it...

You can also check out our deals hub for more advice on making a saving.

Opening hours

Mon-Sat: 10.00-20.00

Sun: 11.00-17.00

(Belfast opening hours are 12.00-18.00)

Come prepared

In order to make the most of your trip to Ikea, it's recommended that you come prepared with a thorough list of everything you might need in order to make the shopping process as seamless as possible.

Ikea suggest that this list should eveninclude product numbers for those seeking the least stressful shopping experience, which had us thinking that for the first time in the history of Ikea visits, it may actually be possible to leave with only the items you came for. Great news for our wallets, we're sure you'll agree.

Social distancing

In store, Ikea are enforcing strict social distancing policies including a one way system, limits to the number of customers allowed in store at one time this is to include only one adult and one child from every household and the installation of glass screens and hand sanitiser to protect customers and employees, alike.

Ikea have also announced plans to station 'social-distancing wardens' throughout the store. Not only will they help to ensure the safety of shoppers, but they'll also be there to ensure everyone understands the new one way system.

Limits to the number of shoppers

There will also be a strict limit to the number of people allowed in store at one time, with a queue system enforced to help stagger entry. This will likely be much like the systems we've seen in place as supermarkets, DIY stores and garden centres, though Ikea will be limiting access to just one adult and one child per household. This is a pretty important factor to consider ahead of your shopping trip, especially since all play areas and restaurants are to remain closed at this time.

Bring food and drinks

On which subject... if you're in the car park queue, then the store queue, then the store... you'll need refreshments at some point, so come with food and drink to help you power on through. However, their Bistro will be open for takeaways (except at the Greenwich store), and the Swedish Food Market will be open for those make-at-home meatballs and Swedish favourites.

Toilets?

No info on this online but we're assuming they are open.

Card payments only

Currently, Ikea will only be accepting card payments. So, you'll need to leave your cash at home if you do plan a trip.

Hand sanitising

As well as increasing the frequency of cleaning throughout Ikea stores, there will also be an increased number of hand sanitising stations which should be used by customers.

So, if you're in desperate need of a trip to Ikea, the re-opening of stores is certainly great news. However, if like many of us your Ikea trips are informed by a desire for a browse and a nice day out, it may be worth waiting a little while longer. There is still the option to shop online at Ikea, after all.

You'll likely be wondering which of its nationwide stores Ikea have reopened. Given lockdown measures still in place, stores in Scotland, Wales and Ireland will remain closed for the time being.

Find a full list of stores that reopened on 1 June below, all of which will strictly enforce social distancing.

Here's what we think should be on your list for your first trip:

(Image credit: Ikea)

LINDBYN Mirror | 30Confession: a member of the Real Homes team was so desperate to get their hands on this mirror during lockdown they paid the full whack, 39 delivery for it. But the rationale was even with the delivery this was still way cheaper than anything similar elsewhere. Can confirm it was worth it, it's huge, but also slimline and stylish. But now you can pick it up in-store, making it even more of a bargain!View Deal

Shop more similar mirrors:

(Image credit: Ikea)

SOLLERN 3-seat modular sofa | 459We have had our eye on this outdoor sofa for a while now, but due to delivery restrictions it hasn't been available for home delivery. But now stores are open you can pick up this super practical buy. It's modular, so there are loads of different options and you can find one to suit your space and it has storage too!View Deal

(Image credit: Ikea)

SOLBLEKT Tray | 8Another fab buy we haven't been able to order online, but have been checking every day to see if it changes this gorgeous tray. It would be lovely on a coffee table with some eucalyptus and a nice candle, but we were also thinking it would look great wall mounted too, with a few other rattan pieces to create a gallery wall.View Deal

(Image credit: Ikea)

NILSOVE Chair | 75You can order this online if you just can't wait to make a trip to Ikea. We love the simple style and the fact you could definitely use this as a garden chair too. You can buy a version with a seat pad as well if you want a bit more comfort.View Deal

Shop more rattan dining chairs:

(Image credit: Ikea)

GRNLID 3-seat sofa | 495We know, we know, a white sofa isn't the most practical of options but we just love the look of them. They have been all over Instagram recently, they just add such a cool, laid back, beachy vibe. And a fab thing about Ikea sofas is the cover is removable so you can throw it in the washing machine.View Deal

(Image credit: Ikea )

MASTHOLMEN Outdoor Armchair | 90If, like us, you're a big fan of boho interiors, you'll love this outdoor armchair which aside from offering a peaceful place to relax and soak up the sun also created the laid back, Ibiza vibes that we're all craving about now.

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Ikea reopened this week: here's what happened and the best new buys - Real Homes