IKEA has temporarily closed all 50 of its US stores due to coronavirus.
In an announcement released on Wednesday, IKEA confirmed the decision to close all US stores and the IKEA Planning Studio in Manhattan as a precautionary measure. However, customers will still be able to make online purchases for home deliveries, and IKEA will also offer a Click & Collect option where people can pick up their orders from select locations.
IKEA Retail U.S. President, Javier Quiñones, notes that:
“Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. This is the most responsible way IKEA can continue to care for our co-workers and our customers in a manner that is healthy and safe. We are taking our role in containing this epidemic seriously, and we recognize the positive impact our actions could have on making life better for the millions of people who have been impacted by this crisis.”
That said, the statement goes on to share that “[the] company has put in place additional measures to ensure the work environment is clean and sanitized and that co-workers are working at a safe social distance.
Co-workers are at the heart of the IKEA business, and the retailer is committed to caring for its 18,000 co-workers in the best possible way. IKEA will continue to support co-workers through its comprehensive benefits package and paid leave policy. All non-essential co-worker travel and large group meetings have been cancelled. IKEA will assess all measures on a regular base.”
Today, March 19, IKEA confirmed they will also be closing their 22 stores across UK and Ireland as of Friday evening, warning customers that they’re experiencing longer delivery times than usual due to the high demands.
For the full statement, head to IKEA’s updated response to the novel Covid-19, here.