Ikea’s delayed Oxford Street store to open in May
Ikea has announced its new store at 214 Oxford Street in Central London is set to open on the 1st May.
The Swedish homeware retailer’s new city store will span 62,431 sq ft across three floors, occupying the ground and two lower ground floors of the building. It will feature a showroom, a market-hall with home furnishings accessories, planning appointments, and a Swedish Deli.
The opening follows a three-year renovation, which included work to enhance the store’s environmental performance whilst looking to preserve the building’s heritage features. In addition to the Ikea store, the renovated building will feature three other retail outlets and four floors of office space.
The opening was initially pushed back to autumn 2024 before being delayed again after renovation works revealed “unexpected conditions” at the Grade II-listed building.
The development has been led by Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ikea’s parent company and the owner of the building.
Peter Jelkeby, CEO and chief sustainability officer at Ikea UK, said: “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.”
Ikea opened its first UK store in 1987 in Warrington, and has since expanded to operate 21 full size stores, one city store, one order and collection point, and three plan and order points in the UK.