Tomorrow a breath of fresh air will hit Oxford Street, as IKEA opens a new store for those in the capital to shop for new tables and even try a few meatballs.
The Grade II listed 214 Oxford Street has been gutted to make room for the Swedish furniture giant, which will take over 5,800 square meters over three floors.
It was once home to the Topshop shop, but rather than decently priced jeans and random DJs, customers can now expect showrooms designed by Londoners.
Even a broadcasting studio has been opened in the store, which will host exhibitions and host interactive experiences.
It has been a long time coming too, with IKEA first buying the site for £378 million in October 2021.
This is just the latest of announcements to try and bring Oxford Street back to my former glory.
Londoners have repeatedly complained the iconic road has been riddled with American Candy Stores and derelict buildings.
What will the new Ikea shop on Oxford Street look like?
Curated shops – On the Ground Floor are three ‘Curated Shops’; shopping edits created by Londoners that reflect and celebrate the character and diversity of the city’s residents.
IKEA’s iconic showroom – In IKEA Oxford Street spaces and roomsets have been created with real people based on their own homes in the capital. This includes working from home set ups and running a small business and concepts for relaxing balcony spaces.
Design Services – Customers can find IKEA’s usual design support, including for interior design, kitchen, and bedroom storage planning.
Swedish Deli – IKEA’s Oxford Street will include a 130-seater Swedish Deli. Classic dishes will be available including hot dogs from £0.85 and main course favourites such as eight and 12 piece meatballs or plantballs for as little as £4.95.
New (and used) spaces – In a global first for IKEA, the Oxford Street store will feature a Live Studio with broadcasting capabilities. The new store will also have a Re-Shop and Re-Use section, an area to shop second-life, second-hand and discontinued IKEA products.
Delivery services – Small furniture items will be available to take home from the store immediately, with around 3,500 IKEA products ready to go. For larger items that can’t quite fit in IKEA’s famous blue bag, shoppers can order in store to be delivered to their home.
In January, Park House, which is home to Pandora, Swarovski, Urban Outfitters, Bershka and the flagship River Island store, said the retailers are trying to cancel their lease.
Microsoft has also announced they will be closing down their Oxford Street store to focus on ‘digital growth’ after opening the 21,000 sq ft shop six years ago.
In February Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced his plan plan to ban traffic on London’s Oxford Street ‘to become more like Paris’ is one step closer to becoming a reality.
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The £150,000,000 project is designed to transform Oxford Street into a pedestrian-only area to restore it to its ‘former glory’.
Mr Khan said: ‘It’s fantastic news that IKEA is opening a new flagship store on Oxford Street. It’s a huge vote of confidence in London, in our economy and in our plans to rejuvenate Oxford Street and unlock its true potential.
‘Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world and we want to give it a new lease of life. This involves attracting brilliant companies like IKEA, which will help to create new jobs and increase footfall.
‘We have developed bold proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street and to establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events. The consultation on these plans closes on 2 May so I encourage everyone to have their say.’
Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA UK,said: ‘Tomorrow, we will celebrate our new home on Oxford Street, a milestone in our journey to becoming more accessible.
‘It will be an IKEA many know and love, with some new features exclusive to this iconic city centre store.
‘Created in collaboration with real voices and with Londoners in mind, opening our doors is a landmark moment following a meticulous renovation and we are truly excited to share it.’
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