IKEA Oxford Street has finally opened its doors

IKEA has today opened its highly-anticipated Oxford Street store, in a landmark opening for London and the business – drawing a significant crowd, with some waiting from early morning.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 10am, with Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer IKEA UK and Ireland, joined by IKEA co-workers, store manager Matt Gould, Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, and Ambassador of Sweden to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Stefan Gullgren, to mark the launch.

Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA UK & Ireland, said: “Today marks the launch of an IKEA store like no other, designed for, and by, Londoners, situated in one of the world’s most recognisable shopping destinations. We’ve made this iconic retail space our new home in IKEA Oxford Street and can’t wait for all to experience a store filled with what they know and love about IKEA, as well as features unique to this one-of-a-kind location.”

Taking over Oxford Street for a moment of celebration, which included street performers, eager shoppers watched as months of anticipation ended.

Among the first to enter was IKEA superfan, Vicky Dawson, from Wrexham, who set herself the challenge of visiting all IKEA stores in the UK. After today’s trip to IKEA Oxford Street, Vicky has completed her mission.

IKEA superfan Vicky Dawson, said: “Having visited every IKEA store in the UK, and many around the world, I love that each store takes a bit of the local community and represents it in its roomsets and design inspiration. I’m really excited about the opening of IKEA Oxford Street – I organised a whole holiday to London to make sure I got to experience IKEA’s Hus of Frakta pop-up recently.”