IKEA unveils 20th UK store
IKEA has opened its 20th UK store in Sheffield. The shop is the retailer’s most sustainable to date.
The new store has created over 480 jobs including roles at its contact centre and in customer relations, as well as in sales, interior design and in the IKEA restaurant. Over 90% of the new team has been recruited from the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area.
Garry Deakin, IKEA Sheffield store manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be opening our doors to the city of Sheffield today as we know that people in Sheffield have long been anticipating our arrival.
“Both myself and my talented team are looking forward to welcoming the people of South Yorkshire to the store, where they will be able to discover our unique shopping experience and inspirational home furnishings expertise.”
In the lead-up to the opening IKEA organised ‘The Wonderful Everyday Tour’ which saw a variety of events and installations pop up around Sheffield. Further events such as craft workshops and cookery classes will be continuing in the store over the coming months. These will include food sampling, workshops and an exclusive student evening which will give advice on eating healthily on a budget and information on essential items for student living.
IKEA Sheffield is the retailer’s most sustainable store to date and has achieved a BREEAM ‘excellent’ accreditation. The design incorporates a number of sustainable technologies including photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting as part of the store’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2020. The store is also equipped with electric vehicle charging points on site providing renewably generated power for EV vehicles.
Gillian Drakeford, IKEA UK and Ireland country manager, said: “Today is an important milestone for us, with IKEA Sheffield being our 20th store in the UK. The opening of IKEA Sheffield marks the continuation of a significant period of growth for our business.
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in the UK next month, we remain committed to building a strong and trusted brand whilst continuing to bring IKEA closer to the many people. In addition to IKEA Sheffield, we will be opening two new stores in Exeter and Greenwich before the end of 2018.”
