Snow Load Triggers Dutch Retail Closures: Utrecht IKEA Reopens, Groningen IKEA and AH Helpman Shut

Overview

• IKEA Utrecht reopened Friday at 12:00 after a four-day precautionary closure once a specialized contractor cleared sufficient snow from the flat roof.
• IKEA’s spokesperson emphasized there was no danger of collapse at the Utrecht site and said decisions are being made day by day under a safety protocol.
• The IKEA on Sontweg in Groningen was inspected with a height platform on Wednesday and remained closed Thursday and Friday while snow removal and monitoring continue.
• Albert Heijn at Helperplein in Helpman closed Friday for a roof-structure inspection, deploying a large crane to assess and gradually remove accumulated snow.
• The Helpman supermarket said it hopes to reopen at 08:00 on Saturday, while IKEA noted earlier weather-related closures this week also affected Delft.