kea is pushing back the opening date of its new Oxford Street store, however prospects received’t have to attend too lengthy to snap up furnishings and meatballs the retailer mentioned because it revealed newest launch plans and a novel model of its signature Frakta bag.
The Swedish retailer unveiled a 128 ft broad and 62 ft tall blue ‘bag’ masking the scaffolding of the location beforehand dwelling to TopShop’s flagship. That got here as new particulars of the longer term Ikea department got.
An enormous renovation undertaking is underway on the grade II listed constructing which the chain’s funding arm purchased.
There shall be 4 flooring of places of work, all of which shall be accessible to let, and the agency will occupy 82,000 sq. toes of the retail house.
Ikea added that 150 jobs shall be created, and 6,000 merchandise shall be displayed within the showroom and market-hall space, of which 3,000 might be take-home that day.
Certain different merchandise, equivalent to bigger furnishings objects might be delivered on to prospects’ houses by electrical automobiles from a newly opened distribution centre in Dartford or be picked up from Ikea assortment factors being rolled out throughout the capital.
The chain’s arrival within the West End will mark an enormous enhance for Oxford Street because it makes an attempt to bounce back from a footfall stoop within the pandemic and huge names equivalent to TopShop and Debenhams closing.
But to fulfill sustainability targets, “while ensuring optimal preservation of the building”, the undertaking timeline has been prolonged. The new store is now scheduled to open in 2024 by Autumn. Autumn this 12 months had beforehand been guided.
Ingka Investments is reusing and refurbishing the present property, eradicating fossil gas gas-fired boilers and changing them with energy-efficient air supply warmth pumps. The constructing shall be powered by renewable power.
Peter van der Poel, managing director of Ingka Investments, mentioned: “When refurbishing this over one hundred-year-old historic landmark, it’s important for us as an investor to treat the building with care and to preserve its characteristics and atmosphere. At the same time, we want to upgrade it to today’s standards with the best possible sustainability credentials. To ensure all of this, the extensive refurbishment will take more time than initially anticipated.”
A basement space at Ikea’s large renovation undertaking at its new Oxford Street store
/ IkeaPeter Jelkeby, chief government and chief sustainability officer of Ikea UK, mentioned: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Ikea to the heart of London’s vibrant retail scene on Oxford Street. By having a presence at one of the most iconic shopping destinations in the world, we’re taking a significant step forward in our ongoingjourney to make it easier to shop with Ikea– whenever, wherever and however customers choose.”
Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council’s cupboard member for planning and financial growth, mentioned: “The sight of the famous Ikea blue bag on Oxford Street sends a powerful message – that the nation’s favourite high street is back and retailers want to be here.”
