IKEA stores in Utrecht, Groningen, Breda closed Thursday over snow on flat roofs

The IKEA stores in Utrecht, Breda, and Groningen will remain closed on Thursday due to snow on the buildings’ flat roofs, a spokesperson confirmed to ANP. The flat-pack furniture store chain made this decision as a precaution for the safety of customers and employees. On Wednesday evening, the roof of a sports hall in Utrecht collapsed, likely due to the snow piled on top of it.

The IKEA spokesperson told ANP that the snow is being cleared from the roofs, but they’re fighting a losing battle. The Utrecht store has been closed since Monday due to the snow. The Breda and Groningen stores closed on Thursday.

The chain is assessing the snow situation daily and taking measures where necessary, the spokesperson said. The Delft store also remained closed on Wednesday, but could open on Thursday.

There is also snow on the roofs of nine other branches, but there is no increased risk to the roofs at these locations, the spokesperson said. “There is no risk of collapse, but if we don’t clear the snow, it will reach a point where it becomes dangerous. At some point, there will be too much snow on the roof, and then we’ll follow our evacuation protocol.”