IKEA Has Reopened All Stores Across Canada & Flatpack Is Officially Back

Calling all lovers of Swedish meatballs! IKEA is reopening all stores across Canada as of June 1, and in-store shopping is possible once again. This will include stores across Nova Scotia and Vancouver, which have been the last to reopen under their "phased approach."

In an announcement on June 1, IKEA Canada confirmed that all of their locations would be reopening to shoppers this week, with doors opening on Monday.

“With this announcement, the retailer has now reopened all 14 of its store locations nationwide,” the company explained.

While shoppers in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec City have enjoyed flatpack and meatballs again since May 19, stores in Nova Scotia and Vancouver have remained closed as part of the company’s “phased approach” to reopening.

However, as of Monday, June 1, all of Canada's IKEA stores have reopened to the public, including locations in Coquitlam, Richmond and Halifax.

Stores in Ontario and Montreal opened their doors again on May 26, and were immediately slammed with huge lines both inside and outside.

While IKEA has reopened all stores, things aren't quite back-to-normal just yet.

According to the company's notice, the restaurant and children’s play area, Småland, will remain closed until further notice. The IKEA Bistro remains open, but for takeout only. 

Fortunately for meatball-lovers, you can still buy the iconic Swedish treats at most IKEA food markets.

The retailer notes that "rigorous cleaning and sanitization" is now a priority in all stores, and customer capacity will be limited to encourage “strict physical distancing guidelines.”

IKEA is also encouraging shoppers to wear masks wherever possible, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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

To prevent stores from getting totally overwhelmed with customers, IKEA is asking Canadians to plan their purchases and check stock availability beforehand, consider shopping at a non-peak time, and visit stores in groups of two or less.

While hide-and-seek in store and dining-in meatballs are still a way off, it's good to know there's flatpack nearby again if you need it, eh?

*This article's cover image is for illustrative purposes only.