Ikea will create 1,300 new jobs by the end of 2018 as opens three new UK superstores in Sheffield, Exeter and Greenwich.
As part of the furniture giant’s ongoing expansion in the UK and Ireland, IKEA plans to open its 20th UK store in Sheffield this coming summer, resulting in the creation of 480 new jobs.
The opening of a store in Exeter in the summer of 2018 will generate a further 350 jobs, and its Greenwich store – opening in late 2018 – will create 500 new roles.
The retailer said there will be a wide range of roles on offer within the stores and contact centres, across a number of departments including store management, food and beverage, customer relations, sales, interior design, IT, sustainability and marketing.
New investment
It comes as Ikea marks the construction of its 21st UK store in Exeter, at a groundbreaking ceremony led by Ikea UK and Ireland country retail manager Gillian Drakeford.
Drakeford said: “As we continue to expand, we’re delighted to bring investment to new areas across the country and create new opportunities for local communities.
“This year we are celebrating Ikea’s 30th anniversary in the UK, and we are seeing more demand from customers for more stores in areas closer to where they live.
Greater accessibility to stores
“We’re pleased that our three new stores opening in 2017 and 2018 will make us more accessible to the many people and continue to offer our inspirational home furnishing solutions at affordable prices.”
Last year, Ikea – which is an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer – reported its fifth consecutive year of growth in the UK with an 8.9% sales uplift.
The addition of 1,300 new jobs will bring the Ikea’s total UK workforce to 11,700.
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