Ikea has officially confirmed the much-anticipated opening of its new store on London’s Oxford Street, set to debut on May 1, 2025. This opening comes a significant 18 months after the original date, which was planned for autumn 2023 but faced multiple delays due to unforeseen complications.
The new Ikea store will occupy a sprawling three floors of the iconic site previously held by Topshop, totaling approximately 5,800 square meters. It will showcase around 6,000 product lines, famously featuring Ikea’s flat-pack furniture and home accessories. Out of these, about 3,500 products will be available for immediate take-out, while the rest will be offered for home delivery or pick-up from nearby locations.
One of the key highlights of the store will be its 130-seat Swedish delicatessen, where customers can indulge in Ikea’s renowned culinary offerings, including the beloved Swedish meatballs at just £4.95, and hot dogs priced at 75 pence. The space will also include a showroom filled with inspirational home settings and the option for one-on-one design consultations with customers.
Peter Jelkeby, Ikea's Chief Executive and Chief Sustainability Officer for the UK, expressed enthusiasm about the store's opening, stating, "We have worked carefully to ensure we maintain the character of this historic building while creating a modern retail environment for customers to explore and be inspired." He highlighted that the store's location is central to Ikea's strategy of getting closer to where customers live and shop. "London is an iconic shopping destination, and we are thrilled to now have a home in its centre," he added.
The renovation of the Grade II-listed building has been a meticulous process aimed at upgrading its environmental efficiency while preserving its historical features. The project involved replacing gas-fired boilers with air-source heat pumps, installing secondary glazing, and restoring the historic facade. A protective cover was also added to the building’s Victorian roof lantern, further enhancing its energy performance.
The ongoing development of the Oxford Street area is crucial, as it seeks to rejuvenate what had become a less vibrant shopping destination, particularly after the Covid pandemic saw many retailers leave. The opening of this Ikea store is seen as a vital part of revitalizing the street, which has also benefited from other recent openings, including HMV and the sportswear brand Under Armour.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the new store, Ikea's presence will also contribute to providing job opportunities, with 150 new employees hired from an astounding 3,730 applicants during a recruitment drive that lasted just five days earlier this year. This high level of interest reflects the community’s enthusiasm for the new retail option.
This new Ikea will represent the sixth outlet in London for the Swedish furniture giant, joining locations already in Greenwich, Hammersmith, Wembley, Croydon, and Lakeside (Essex). Interestingly, this new outlet follows the closure of its Tottenham store, which was transformed into a live music venue in 2022.
As the opening day approaches, the anticipation continues to build. The store will open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, welcoming both locals and visitors to explore its offerings. With its strategic location and extensive product range, this Ikea aims to foster a vibrant shopping experience, catering to the diverse needs of consumers.
In conclusion, Ikea's new Oxford Street store is more than just a retail opening; it symbolizes a significant step towards the revitalization of one of London's most iconic shopping districts. As Ikea continues to adapt and evolve, its Oxford Street location is poised to inspire a new generation of customers looking for functional and beautifully designed home furnishings.
