Ikea stores across Britain saw giant queues form outside today with customers standing in three-hour lines as lockdown restrictions were eased.
The car park at Ikea in Wembley, north London, which was until recently a coronavirus test centre, was full of customer cars this morning as the store opened for business for the first time since the lockdown was imposed.
Aerial photos also showed hundreds of customers queuing around the block in the stifling heat to get into the shops in Nottingham, Reading and Essex today as the Government urged the country to act 'sensibly' amid restrictions being eased.
Massive lines of people could also be seen snaking around the car parks at the Swedish furniture giant's branches in Wednesbury, West Midlands.
Some eager shoppers queued from as early as 5.30am - over four hours before the store was due to open at 10am.
Huge traffic jams were also reported in and around the areas as people flocked to their local branch of the Swedish retailer.
Ikea was one of several businesses to reopen today, with millions of Britons also able to see friends and family - despite warnings the restrictions are being lifted too soon.
Queues were also seen at British Pret a Manger shops today as the country began to return to some semblance or normality following months of lockdown.
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will also be reopening this morning, while Primark, Sports Direct and House of Fraser are preparing to open again later this month.
It comes as the president of the Association of Directors of Public Health said today that their experts are concerned ministers are lifting the coronavirus lockdown too quickly, saying the Government's own five tests have not been met.
Warrington: Customers socially distance themselves as the queue to enter Ikea Warrington. The store opening saw large queues of people and traffic on adjacent roads as it reopened
Wembley: Pictured left is an IKEA store in Wembley on April 1, while its car park was being used as an NHS workers' coronavirus testing centre. Right: The car park today, full of customers' cars as the store opens for business for the first time since the lockdown was imposed in the UK
Essex: People queuing today at the Ikea store in Lakeside, Thurrock, which has reopened as part of a wider easing of lockdown restrictions in England
Nottingham: Huge queues form at Ikea, Nottingham, today. Customers have now been asked to shop alone, use hand sanitisers dotted around the store and be prepared with ready-made lists and their own bags
Essex: IKEA customer attempts giant puzzle of trying to slot flat-pack furniture into his car as the Lakeside store reoepned in Thurrock today
Warrington: Customers socially distance themselves as the queue to enter Ikea Warrington. The store opening saw large queues of people and traffic on adjacent roads as it reopened
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