In a highly anticipated development for London’s shopping scene, IKEA has confirmed that its new Oxford Street store will officially open on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This exciting news follows an extensive three-year renovation of the historic property located at 214 Oxford Street, which was previously home to Topshop. With the renovation now complete, the flagship store will encompass an impressive retail space of 5,800 square metres across three floors, promising the classic IKEA experience alongside unique London-inspired features.
Peter Jelkeby, the CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA UK, expressed enthusiasm about the store's opening: “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 of the new store will offer unique spaces designed in collaboration with Londoners, tailored to reflect the character of the city. The second level will showcase innovative roomsets alongside a 130-seat Swedish Deli, where customers can indulge in IKEA's beloved meatballs served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and cream sauce for just £4.95. Meanwhile, the lowest floor will feature a market hall stocked with approximately 3,500 affordable home furnishing accessories and small furniture items, with prices ranging from £0.75 for food storage items to as much as £45 for desks.
This renovation process was not without its challenges; it was marked by delays caused by water ingress issues in the basement as well as the need for thorough upgrades to enhance the building’s energy efficiency. IKEA undertook significant work to replace gas-fired boilers with energy-efficient air source heat pumps, improved insulation, and restored the building’s historic facade to maintain its architectural integrity while introducing modern retail features.
“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,” Jelkeby added. “London is an iconic shopping destination, and we are thrilled to now have a home in its centre.”
The opening of the IKEA Oxford Street store is seen as a crucial component in the ongoing effort to rejuvenate Oxford Street, which has faced challenges in recent years due to crime and the decline of other retailers. The flagship’s arrival is anticipated to attract both local residents and international tourists alike, leading to increased foot traffic in the area. Following the closure of the Hus of FRAKTA pop-up concept store on March 23, 2025, expectations are high for the new permanent location’s potential economic impact.
In an impressive show of interest from job seekers, the new store received a staggering 3,730 applications in merely six days for 150 available positions, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for this opening. The store will operate daily from 10 AM until 8 PM, extending its reach to accommodate diverse shopping habits.
In addition to serving the local market, the new IKEA store will join a growing network of locations across London, offering increased accessibility for customers. As noted by Jelkeby, “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.”
For many shopping in London, the reopening of a well-known international retailer such as IKEA marks not just the return of a familiar space but the promise of revitalized economic activity in an area that has seen better days. As retail spaces contend with an evolving market, developments like the IKEA Oxford Street store serve as a hopeful sign post toward a brighter future for both consumers and businesses on this iconic street.
