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Hardware shops with homeware sections can open on Monday, but homeware outlets cannot, the Business Minister has said.<\/p>\nHardware shops with homeware sections can open on Monday, but homeware outlets cannot, the Business Minister has said.<\/p>\n
Phase one of the lifting of restrictions permits the reopening of hardware stores, garden centers, farmers\u2019 markets, bicycle shops and motor garages, electrical and IT stores and opticians.<\/p>\n
It was expected homeware shops would be included but it was confirmed on Friday that they will not.<\/p>\n
At a government press briefing today, Heather Humphreys clarified what the new measures mean for shops that sell hardware and homeware.<\/p>\n
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She said there are hardware shops that have homeware, but if you are predominantly a hardware shop, you can stay open and sell those products.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly those stores who are providing homeware incidental to their primary retail functions are to re-open in phase one.<\/p>\n
“It is not intended that those stores that classify themselves as homeware and primarily sell items such as furniture, curtains or bedding, should open.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo if you have a hardware shop that happens to have a small homeware section, you are allowed to open.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are a homeware shop and that is your main line of business, you cannot open.\u201d<\/p>\n
Swedish furniture store Ikea confirmed that it will not be re-opening its two Dublin stores next week.<\/p>\n
It previously said it would reopen its outlets in Ballymun and Carrickmines.<\/p>\n