IKEA’s Swedish Food Market will stock much-needed staple items as well as their famous Swedish meatballs.
Due to the close proximity with Tameside Hospital and the Manchester Royal Infirmary, as well as emergency services in the area, IKEA Manchester has opened its doors exclusively for key workers and vulnerable customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Featured image: Gerard Stolk)
Items available include bread, milk, butter, beans, porridge, and canned tomatoes as well as the expected meatballs, frozen seafood, coffee, and condiments normally available. There will, however, be a maximum of two items per purchase, except for the Pick ‘n’ Mix range of goods.
Key workers—NHS and emergency service workers, the elderly, the vulnerable and their carers, and IKEA co-workers—must show a form of valid ID to gain entry.
The elderly and the most vulnerable will be able to shop between 12pm-2pm (Monday through Sunday), whereas all other shoppers will be allowed entry from 8am-12pm and then once again from 2pm-4pm (Monday through Saturday). On Sundays, the store will open at 10am.
In order to ensure safety, IKEA will control the flow of customers through the Swedish Food Market (the rest of the store remains closed); 2m markings have been placed at the tills, as well as screens, to separate customers from workers; hand sanitiser must be applied upon entry and will be found throughout the store; and all payments must be contactless or by card. Aside from this, all areas will be routinely cleaned throughout the day including trolleys and baskets after every use.
Michael Parker, Store Manager at IKEA Manchester, has said: ”By offering some essential food items alongside our Swedish food range, we hope that we can help to make everyday life just a little bit easier for the key workers, the elderly and vulnerable that are most affected by COVID-19.”
IKEA Manchester can be found at Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyme, OL6 7TE.