IKEA Croydon re-opens in-store food market for key workers, elderly and vulnerable customers
IKEA is re-opening its Croydon store’s Swedish Food Market as it looks to help elderly, vulnerable and key worker customers to buy food throughout the coronavirus outbreak.
Situated after the tills in the store, the market will also be open to elderly and vulnerable people’s carers. Other members of the public will not be admitted and the rest of the store will remain closed.
In addition to its usual Swedish food range, the store will stock a number of staple items such as bread, milk, butter and canned tomatoes.
IKEA decided to open the market due to the Croydon store’s close proximity to Croydon University Hospital. Croydon is one of the worst hit areas in London for coronavirus.
Key workers will be able to access the market from Monday to Friday between 8am and 12pm and 2pm and 4pm. Meanwhile, elderly and vulnerable customers and their carers will be able to shop between the hours of 12pm and 2pm. Customers will be asked to show ID to gain entrance.
The retailer will also be implementing a number of social distancing and protective hygiene measures in the market area.
Gary Pearce, store manager at IKEA Croydon, said: “Now more than ever we need to come together as a community. We want to do everything we can to support those most in need, including NHS workers at our local hospitals. By offering some essential food items alongside our Swedish Food range, we hope that we can help to make their everyday lives just a little bit easier during these tough times.”
