Pictures show huge queues as Ikea reopens in Southampton

The homewares giant reopened its doors at 19 sites across England and Northern Ireland this morning, including the store in Southampton.

Social distancing ‘wardens’ wearing masks patrolled the area, guiding people around a one-way system, and making sure they kept two metres apart. Customers were then let in 10 at a time.

One shopper said he had queued since 10am, waiting until 1.30pm before he was allowed in.

Bosses had previously asked shoppers to ‘come prepared with ready-made lists and own bags’ for the reopening.

Families are banned, with the business saying it will only allow one adult and one child per household inside the store at any one point.

Play areas and restaurants will also stay shut and click and collect facilities are also opening in a phased approach and in line with government guidelines, with Ikea saying this will depend on which UK region stores are in.

Cash will not be accepted, with all payments by card or contactless device only, and customers should avoid travelling to stores just to process refunds because Ikea says it has a 365-day returns policy.

The 19 stores reopening are Croydon, Greenwich, Lakeside, Wembley, Tottenham, Norwich collection point, Birmingham, Nottingham, Belfast, Manchester, Warrington, Gateshead, Leeds, Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Reading, Southampton, Bristol and Exeter.

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