I’m exhilarated as I step through the entrance.
IKEA
is entirely new residence: the Grade II listed 214
Oxford Street
store.
It appears drastically different from how it was when it was ‘bigصندIntialized bezpoキャンペキャンペ
Topshop
‘, the millennial haven that shut down in January 2021.
Just 10 months later,
IKEA
purchased the website, and we’ve been eagerly anticipating its grand launch ever since.
Finally, today arrives. Occupying only three out of the building’s total seven stories, this new outlet signifies the beginning of IKEA’s venture into launching compact urban locations—marking a shift from the large warehouse-type stores typically seen in UK retail parks and elsewhere.
I was among the fortunate ones to catch a glimpse of the new IKEA before the crowds started searching for theirBilly bookshelves and meatballs.
First impressions
As you walk in at street level, you’re welcomed by a big ‘Hej!’ sign and IKEA’s ‘curated shops’, essentially four shopping edits chosen by
London
Families, according to their genuine desires and requirements — consider sets designed for those working from home or residing in a basement apartment.
It’s a modest way for the Swedish retailer to boast that they understand precisely what we desire in the capital. Several times each year, newcomers to London will have the opportunity to create their own product lineup.
The collection includes trinkets such as soft decor items and glassware. While interesting, it wasn’t particularly innovative, and it lacked the familiar charm of my beloved IKEA.
I was thrilled by the amazing IKEA merchandise. Whether it’s bottles, T-shirts, or hoodies, you can completely refresh your closets with their products like the IKEA PAX system. I might need to return for that pink bucket hat.
Latest London news
- Massive blaze engulfs two apartments in an East London building
- Chinese operatives are reportedly ‘installing listening devices in London’s pubs and park benches,’ according to security sources.
- Within the proposals to transform London Liverpool Street station
For the most recent updates from the capital, check out Sazua.com.
London news hub
.
The restaurant and deli
Descend via the escalator to reach the first level, where you’ll find the essential delicatessen and eatery. This dining area is more modest compared to typical IKEA restaurants, accommodating only up to 130 guests simultaneously.
Although small, the restaurant is arranged similar to one
McDonald’s
Place your order using the screens and pick it up when your number appears on the television above the kitchen area. Takeaway options are also available.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any new items on the menu, but naturally, you’re primarily going there for just one thing.
meatballs
are available and remain equally delightful at just £4.95.
There are even hot dogs starting at £0.85, which makes for quite an affordable dining experience.
At the deli, I noticed some Cheez Doodles, created in 1964 and previously exclusive to Ocado in the United Kingdom (up until now). Also present were Gifflar cinnamon rolls alongside imitation Jammy Dodgers.
With a full stomach, it was time to head around the showroom.
The story of 214 Oxford Street
The distinguished Grade II listed structure has stood for 113 years since its completion in 1912.
Its storied past encompasses its tenure as part of the Crystal Palace Bazaar before transforming into Peter Robinson’s department store.
After than Topshop took the building over in 1992, until it was forced to close its doors in January 2021.
IKEA swiftly purchased it for £378 million and spent four years transforming it into the new store you see today.
The showroom
This is the IKEA you’ll recognize – but taken up a notch.
Your adventure begins at the sofa display, then moves on to bedrooms, offices, kitchens, bathrooms, and finally kids’ sections. Was my ideal kitchen discovered there? Indeed. Is it possible for me to transport an entire showroom back home? Not really.
Certain advanced features encompass a touchscreen for managing the illumination in your preferred display area. Additionally, as you navigate through different zones, you’ll go beneath an arched entryway where a vocal narration will provide details about the design concepts featured in each section.
Less high-tech but equally thrilling is the IKEA pick-and-mix selection in the children’s area.
Although smaller in scale, this store manages to fit an impressive array of offerings across merely three levels, addressing all your needs and desires without making you long for the vast expanse of its Wembley location.
Similarly, you won’t find yourself feeling let down by the selections as you might experience at the smaller Hammersmith location.
In total, there are 6,000 items showcased, with 3,500 being purchasable and ready for immediate takeaway.
Clearly, not every item from IKEA can be placed in a bag and carried home on the Victoria line – plus, the store doesn’t allow that regardless.
You can’t physically lift big furniture items that don’t fit into the recognizable blue FRAKTA IKEA bags; however, you can have them ordered for delivery right to your doorstep.
The repurpose and reuse area
For the first time worldwide, the
Oxford Street
The store features a ‘re-shop and re-use’ area where you can explore pre-owned and outdated IKEA items.
We’re getting pampered with IKEA furniture that’s
even
What’s not to love about cheaper options?
The expansion of the store aims to encourage a more eco-friendly living approach at home, which really caught my attention. I’m excited to return for some treasure hunting.
Additionally, there will be a ‘live studio’ space designed to accommodate interactive experiences and exhibitions for events pertinent to the local community.
My assessment along with the primary downside…
IKEA has long transcended being just a retailer for furniture and home goods; it’s become an experience.
It’s a day outdoors where you can delve into discovering your preferences, satiate your desire for Swedish meatballs, and treat yourself to some fresh additions for your abode.
It draws you in with the promise of ultra-affordable flat packs and kitchen accessories you never realized were necessary, leaving you dreaming about transforming your small and costly rental apartment. This makes you hope for a future where you might own your own place on the real estate market (you’re not alone in feeling this way).
But, there is one thing about this IKEA store that may upset some of you – there are only self-checkout tills. That’s right, there are no manned tills to check out your items, so you may want to pick a till close to a staff member if you tend to need assistance.
They’re not the intelligent self-service checkout kiosks that scan your products automatically; imagine it more as a Tesco experience—where you’ll be handling the scanning of your household goods yourself.
I wouldn’t want to boast, but I’m quite adept at using self-checkout machines, so it doesn’t faze me one bit.
Actually, I’m worried I might turn into a frequent guest, compelled to navigate through the bustling crowd in central London simply to find refuge in the haven that is IKEA Oxford Street.
Have you got a tale to tell?
Reach out via email
Sazua.comLifestyleTeam@Sazua.com.co.uk
.
Stay updated with weekly retail therapy through exclusive deals, promotions, and product reviews in Sazua.com’s Shopping newsletter.
