Ikea’s debut on Oxford Street has been hit by delays as the retailer seeks to sustainably renovate the Grade II listed building formerly occupied by Topshop.
The “next-level” Ikea store at 214 Oxford Street was originally slated to open in autumn this year but the retailer has pushed the date to autumn 2024 as it refurbishes the unit.
Ikea described the renovation as an “undertaking of great investment, preservation and environmental sustainability”, and said it would be removing fossil fuel gas-fired boilers, installing air source heat pumps and adding secondary glazing while working to preserve the building.
Ingka Investments managing director Peter van der Poel said: “When refurbishing this over 100-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 and Ikea Oxford Street city store is now expected to open in 2024.”
The store will span three floors, with a total retail area of 82,000 sq ft, while 6,000 sq ft will be reserved as office space available to let, accessible via Great Portland Street.
When the store opens, the retailer said shoppers can look forward to the traditional Ikea experience, including a showroom, market hall and Swedish deli.
Similar to its Hammersmith store, Oxford Street will stock around 6,000 products with half available for immediate takeaway and the rest via home delivery with its electric van fleet.
It’s also set to include a range of new digital upgrades and “inspirational solutions” based on insights from the local area.
Ikea UK and Ireland boss and chief sustainability officer Peter Jelkeby said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Ikea to the heart of London’s vibrant retail scene on Oxford Street, which is a major milestone in our continued expansion plans across the capital. By having a presence at one of the most iconic shopping destinations in the world, we’re taking a significant step forward in our ongoing journey to make it easier to shop with Ikea – whenever, wherever and however customers choose.
“The store will provide the full Ikea offering that customers know and love. This includes, of course, a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. Packed with inspiration to help customers create better everyday lives at home, the store will also feature exciting, new elements worthy of this incredible building and location.”
Westminster City Council cabinet member for planning and economic development Geoff Barraclough said: “The sight of the famous blue bag on Oxford Street sends a powerful message – that the nation’s favourite high street is back and retailers want to be here.
“Ikea’s investment is a powerful vote of confidence and the company joins other well-known names who are opening or expanding on Oxford Street. There is still nothing that beats browsing in imaginative showpiece stores, and the West End is leading the way with cutting-edge retail and entertainment.
“We will shortly finish consulting on plans to overhaul the look of Oxford Street together with our partners at New West End Company. Wider pavements and green spaces are going make this a space that visitors want to spend time in – there are exciting times ahead.”
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