IKEA has issued a major update on the opening of a new store that’s based in an iconic spot.
The retailer was due to open its site in London’s Oxford Street in Autumn 2023, but shoppers won’t have to wait much longer now until the revised date.
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The Swedish chain acquired the seven-floor site in 2021, pipping Amazon, JD Sports, and Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group.
The site is the former base of Topshop’s flagship store, but the Grade-II listed building went up for sale in January that year after parent company Arcadia fell into administration.
Bargain hunters will be delighted to hear the latest branch will be welcoming customers on Thursday, May 1, from 10am to 8pm.
They will be able to set foot in the beautiful Grade II listed building, which has been completely renovated.
It will offer their legendary showroom filled with affordable set ups including staple furniture and stylish accessories.
And of course, it wouldn’t be an Ikea trip without the iconic Swedish Deli meal.
Shoppers will see their browsing experience unfold over three floors, and 5,800 square metres, packed with the newest ranges.
Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA UK said:“Whether a local Londoner or a tourist passing through, IKEA Oxford Street aims to inspire home dreams for everyone – offering beautifully designed, functional furnishings at prices affordable for as many people as possible, ensuring visitors leave with ideas and solutions that make everyday life at home a little better”.
The ground floor is said to be “a uniquely London-inspired space” with home inspiration that fit in with the city where the site is based.
After taking an escalator one floor down, furniture seekers can enjoy a walk-through display of “innovative roomsets”.
A planning hub with complimentary one-to-one expert design consultations can help anyone feeling overwhelmed with the abundance of choice.
The third floor is home to all of IKEA’s furnishing accessories – 3,500 to be exact – and smaller items that can be taken home the same day.
And if all the retail therapy has worked up an appetite, shoppers can find a table in the 130-seater deli to savour some of the retailer’s signature meatballs, mash potatoes, and sauce for just £4.95.
Or, their classic hot dog is sure to satisfy at just 75p.
Speaking about the store opening, Peter Jelkeby continued: “We have worked carefully to ensure we maintain the character of this historic building whilst creating a modern retail environment for customers to explore and be inspired.
“London is an iconic shopping destination, and we are thrilled to now have a home in its centre. IKEA Oxford Street’s location complements our network of stores in London – and beyond – and allows us to be closer to where our customers live, work and shop, while importantly being easily accessible by foot or public transport. We look forward to welcoming you in.”
This comes after three years of painstaking renovation, taking into consideration the property’s heritage and Grade II listed status.
Experts have even been able to save and refurbish the fourth floor’s original Victorian roof latern.
It has been overseen by Ingka Investments, the investment arm of IKEA UK’s parent company and owner of the building.
How to save money at Ikea
One way to save money is by searching for Ikea’s Circular Hubs, according to retail expert Andrew Busby.
They can be found in all UK Ikea branches and you can find ex-display and slightly damaged items and knock down prices there.
Meanwhile, it’s worth signing up to Ikea’s discount card – the Family Card.
It offers you access to the Circular Hub, but also exclusive discounts and free tea and coffee.
Third, watch out for Ikea’s maze-like layout which is designed to encourage shoppers to impulse buy, Andrew said.
Make sure you go in with a plan so you don’t get caught buying anything you shouldn’t.
Ikea was founded in Sweden in 1943, and opened its first UK branch in Warrington, Cheshire, in 1987.
Facts about the IKEA Oxford Street city store
- Total retail space of 5,800 square meters over three floors.
- The store will be of similar size as IKEA Hammersmith.
- About 6,000 IKEA product lines will be showcased. Half of these, about 3,500 IKEA products, will be available for immediate take-away.
- Checkouts will be located the ground floor and –2.
- Larger furniture can be purchased / ordered for home delivery, for click and collect, or for collection off site. Within the M25 customers can collect from IKEA Hammersmith, 19 lockers in partnership with Shift, 11 pick up points in partnership with Tesco, as well as at 1,907 DPD pick up points.
- There will be focus on sustainable solutions, supporting people to live a more sustainable life at home. It will have a small Re-Shop and Re-Use section selling second-life, second-hand and discontinued IKEA products.
- IKEA is creating 150 new jobs at the Oxford Street store, with the retailer receiving a record 3,730 applications in just five days when recruitment opened earlier this year.
- IKEA will introduce the first Changing Places Toilet at Oxford Street / Regent Street, the only available facility in a 4,000 feet / 1.2 km radius from Oxford Circus.
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