IKEA reopening locations in Coquitlam and Richmond today

IKEA has announced that its locations in British Columbia will reopen to the public on Monday.

The Swedish-based furniture retailer has two locations in Metro Vancouver, including Coquitlam and Richmond. All stores in Canada were proactively closed in mid-March to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“With this announcement, the retailer has now reopened all 14 of its store locations nationwide,” reads a statement from IKEA.

The opening comes after making adjustments recommended by local governments and health authorities. As such, a number of preventative health and safety measures are being implemented.

The IKEA restaurant and Småland, the children’s play area, will remain closed to customers. The bistro will be open, but only for takeout.

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In terms of customer capacity and spacing, floor decals will be used to encourage “strict physical distancing guidelines.” The number of overall customers is being limited in-stores and select areas will have strict capacities.

Separation screens have been installed around cash registers and customer service points and frequent sanitization is taking place, according to IKEA. Employees will make use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and customers are encouraged to wear masks while shopping.

“As we reopen our store locations, our top priority continues to be the health and safety of our co-workers, customers and communities,” said Michael Ward, CEO and chief sustainability officer of IKEA Canada.

Customers are also being asked to be “mindful” of the guidelines and store capacities that will be in place. The company recommends that anyone planning on visiting plans their purchase in advance, checking stock availability, and considers shopping at a non-peak time.