The Industry and Parliament Trust were delighted to take a cross-party group of parliamentarians to visit IKEA’s new flagship store on Oxford Street, on the eve of its opening to the public. We were joined by Alison Griffiths MP, Rosie Wrighting MP, Joshua Reynolds MP, Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Baroness Coffey, Baroness Wheatcroft, Baroness Peen, and Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb.

Since opening its first UK store in 1987, IKEA has expanded its operations, opening 21 large stores, several smaller units, and employing more than 12,500 people. For over 80 years, IKEA has been committed to creating a better everyday life for many people. Founded in Sweden, IKEA has grown to become the world’s largest home furnishing retailer, operating in more than 60 countries. Their mission extends beyond providing well-designed, functional, and affordable home furnishings—it encompasses a responsibility to support people, communities, and the planet.

The visit began with a short presentation from their Regional Director and Store Manager, covering the history of the site, the purpose and plans for their new Oxford Street location, and the work they are doing to hit their goals of sustainability, affordability, accessibility. Hosted in their Live Studio where broadcasts and live events can take place. At this point attendees got to ask questions and find out more about the wider work of IKEA.

Following this, we toured the store, beginning on the ground floor where customers will enter. Here they showcase their collections designed by employees, professionals, and influencers, giving customers the chance to be inspired and bring new ideas to their home designs and furnishings. Then, we moved to the floor below which has a more familiar feel and layout to the IKEA stores that already exist. The Deputy Store Manager walked us through the different showrooms from Living Rooms to Kitchens, to Bathrooms and Playrooms. All their showrooms mirror property sizes in London to ensure their products are suitable and are accessible to their customers. We concluded at, their digital ‘Re-Shop & Re-Use’ area which allows customers to sell back and recycle their unwanted furniture.

This visit also covered the importance of Retail Sector to the UK economy as an employer but also in the value it adds. The future of the high street and the work being done to reinvigorate and utilize empty units was also discussed.

We would like to thank IKEA for hosting this visit and to all the parliamentarians who attended.