The wait is over as Ikea finally opens its Oxford Street store in 2023, years after its initial opening. Despite the new store opening having one issue, customers
The day has finally arrived. Affordable homeware store IKEA has arrived at the most iconic street for British shoppers and tourists alike: Oxford Street. The three-storey building with a retail space of 5,800 square metres is bound to take over one of the busiest shopping districts in the capital city.
Initial plans for the highly anticipated store’s opening in 2023 were met. IKEA, however, announced its postponement and moved it to the following year. The opening date for spring 2025 was then again postponed due to extensive renovation requirements.
But the wait is now over, as IKEA Oxford Street opens its doors at 214 Oxford Street on May 1. The new store will offer the traditional IKEA experience, with its iconic showroom filled with home décor inspiration, dreamy room sets, and a market hall with home furnishing accessories. And of course, the delicatessen of the Swedish kitchen offering the signature hotdogs and meatballs served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and cream sauce.
READ MORE: Reason why IKEA gives its furniture distinctive Swedish names – it’s not what you think
According to The Mirror, Ingka Group, IKEA’s parent company, Ingka Group, purchased the 113-year-old structure in 2021 for £378 million. Interestingly, the landmark Topshop store, which unfortunately closed down in 2021 after almost 30 years of operation, was once located in the same building.
At twice the size of its Hammersmith’s King Street store, IKEA Oxford Street is expected to attract 60,000 shoppers a week. The Oxford Street store will have a 25-square metre Live Studio available for “locally relevant events”, as well as a Re-Shop and Re-Use section for customers to buy second-hand, second-life, and discontinued IKEA products.
IKEA UK shared the exciting news via their Instagram account, captioning it: “The wait is almost over… IKEA is coming to Oxford Street on 1st May! Hit the reminder button to get notified!”
The comment section was flooded with excited shoppers who had been counting down the days. Some people waited this long for it to finally be opened, according to one person.
A second user said, “FINALLY.” A third user saying, “We used to shop until we dropped at Topshop!” We’ll be shopping right away so we can stay comfortable.”
READ MORE: I went to shop dubbed ‘little IKEA’ and found so many bargains
However, one issue with the store’s location on one of London’s busiest streets is that shoppers are concerned about. Some shoppers are unsure of how to carry their large purchases because Click &, Collect will be accessible to shoppers on Oxford Street due to the lack of parking space there. How is it possible to collect large items without having to drive down there, a question that one Instagram user posed with a laughing emoji.
IKEA Oxford Street, the CEO and chief sustainability officer of IKEA UK, stated: “Whether a local Londoner or a visiting tourist, IKEA Oxford Street strives to inspire home dreams for everyone. We offer beautifully designed, functional furniture at prices that are reasonably priced, so that visitors leave with ideas and solutions that improve daily life at home.”
London’s Oxford Street is an iconic shipping district, with an estimated half a million people visiting the street every day. He added: “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.”
Councillor Adam Hug, the leader of Westminster City Council, stated: “IKEA joining Oxford Street is a fantastic addition to one of London’s most recognizable shopping areas. IKEA will be a huge draw for visitors to the West End as more shops and new brands choose to invest in Oxford Street continue to grow.
When will IKEA’s Oxford Street debut?
On May 1, 2025, IKEA Oxford Street will open. Daily hours are 10am to 8pm, but it will be closed.
Source: Mirror
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