Earlier today, all of IKEA's stores in England reopened their doors for the first time since shutting for lockdown.
The Swedish homeware giant announced its plans to reopen stores last week, following new government guidelines, and all stores have implemented strict social distancing rules and safety measures to keep staff and shoppers safe.
Stores reopened to customers at 10am this morning - including those in Ashton and Warrington.
But despite only being open for an hour, customers have already reported huge queues - some of which have taken up entire car parks.
Posting on Twitter, shoppers have been sharing images and videos of the long queues outside IKEA stores.
"It’s before 1030am, 20 degrees heat and look at these mad b*stards queuing for Ikea That queue has got to be good half a mile long easy. WHY?" asked one Twitter user.
Another said: "If you're in the 5 mile queue for IKEA then you're crazy (it goes past Nando's and loops around the car park!)"
"Can't believe the queues ive seen at Ikea!! People are mental," wrote somebody else.
"Just seen a video of the queue outside IKEA in Warrington. Why do people bother?" questioned another baffled Twitter user.
Another Twitter user named Kev said: "This is the scene at IKEA Warrington this morning! Massive queues in both directions, Europa Boulevard (both ways) and Charon Way gridlocked, traffic right back to M62 J8... WTAF is wrong with these people there is literally hundreds of them!"
Jamie North added: "Just at the Ikea in Warrington, being told 30 minute queue to get into the car park and then a 2 hour wait to get into the store. Apparently about 1000 people waiting."
Another Twitter user wrote: "A 3 hour wait for customers to get in to #ikea Manchester as the store reopens ashton."
IKEA has said: "To ensure a safe shopping experience we ask that if you can, please shop alone. Only bring one other person from the same household, if you need special assistance or if you need to bring your children with you.
"There will be a queuing system outside to manage entry into the store.
"We’ll have co-workers and signage throughout the store to help you stick to social distancing guidelines."
