IKEA UK has announced the proposed closure of its Tottenham store in Edmonton, North London, as part of the business’ transformation plan for the capital.
The decision comes as the retailer commits to investing more than £1b in London over the next three years.
A new, smaller-format store opened in Hammersmith, West London, in February. Moving forward, the retailer will open a new fulfilment centre in Dartford in December, expanding its fulfilment capacity and unlocking 24-hour deliveries in London.
In autumn 2023, IKEA UK will open its long-awaited store on London’s Oxford Street.
IKEA UK says the proposal to close the Tottenham store follows an extensive assessment of its presence in London, in line with changing shopping behaviours. Last year, online represented almost half of the retailer's total sales, and the demand for different services as well as convenient deliveries accelerated. This, combined with the redevelopment of the area where the store is located, prompted the retailer to assess the long-term viability of the site.
IKEA UK will now enter a period of collective consultation with the 450 staff members affected by this proposal, and says it is committed to retaining as many as possible. The business will create over 600 vacancies in London before the proposed store closure, which as a priority will be offered to the affected workers.
Peter Jelkeby, country retail manager and chief sustainability officer, IKEA UK and Ireland says: “Taking care of our co-workers is our highest priority and we will lead with respect and compassion throughout the process. The decision to propose closing the Tottenham store has not been taken lightly but we believe it is the right thing to do for our customers and business as we strengthen our position for the future. We will do everything we can to support the co-workers affected and our hope is that as many as possible will continue their career journey with us.”
The other five IKEA stores in London – in Croydon, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Lakeside and Wembley – will continue to play an important role in the retailer's business model. As well as centres of home furnishing inspiration, the stores will see investments to further support the increasing demand for faster and more sustainable home deliveries.
The Tottenham store will remain open with normal opening hours until further notice.
