IKEA has refused to comment on reports its 18 UK stores will be reopening later this month.
IKEA closed its UK stores in March due to the coronavirus pandemic but a reopening date which is being proposed is May 18, according to the Daily Mail.
Following in the footsteps of DIY chains Homebase and B&Q, the Swedish furniture firm said it is firming up plans for how the store can operate with enhanced safety measures.
But it refused to comment on the reopening date and said in a statement its stores will remain closed for now, adding that it is making "extensive plans" to safely reopen for customers when "the situation allows".
An IKEA spokesman said: “For now, all our stores across the UK and Ireland remain closed.
"We are looking forward to welcoming customers back to our stores and will only do so as the situation allows, in line with government guidance.
"As a responsible company we are making extensive plans, and adopting even further enhanced safety measures, so that when we do reopen, our customers and co-workers feel safe and comfortable in our stores.
"The health and safety of our customers, co-workers and suppliers remains our highest priority."
It comes as Homebase reopened all 164 stores on Saturday and B&Q reopened its 288 stores.
