IKEA's Opening in Hammersmith Delayed

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Originally planned for Spring it now expects to launch 'this winter'

Artist's impression of new store

Hammersmith’s long awaited Ikea is due to open this winter, the company has said.

The Swedish homeware giant cause a wave of excitement when it announced last year that its first inner-city branch would open at the King’s Mall.

It was due to open in spring 2021, but it has been pushed back to “this winter”, according to a company spokesperson.

Ikea’s parent company, Ingka Centres, also bought the 27,000 square metre King’s Mall of Schroder’s Plc.

Ikea also announced in October 2020 that it plans to open 50 more shops worldwide. This was despite the growth of online shopping, as lockdowns have seen more people take an interest in improving their homes.

Peter Jelkeby, Ikea’s country-retail manager, previously said,“Our plan to open a new city centre store in Hammersmith is an exciting next step, as we continue to respond to people’s evolving shopping habits…

“People have been eager to see our affordable range and access our life at home expertise on the high street for some time, so we’re excited to introduce a unique Ikea store to the vibrant local community in Hammersmith and London.”

Hammersmith and Fulham Council leader Stephen Cowan said the town centre would benefit from Ikea’s “huge investment”.

Owen Sheppard - Local Democracy Reporter

May 12, 2021