A brand-new IKEA has opened in Hammersmith, but it is very different to what we are usually used to seeing with this iconic brand. The new store, which opened its doors on the 24th February, is the very first city-centre branch, which means it’s much smaller, roughly a quarter of the size of the traditional store.
The store is located inside the Kings Mall shopping centre, which was bought by INGKA Holding back in 2020.
New Beginnings
In the new store, there are 1,800 products available to take away and 4,000 on display to fit in with the ‘life at home’ aesthetic. Walking in you’re instantly greeted with the Swedish word “Hej!” on the entrance doors, which means “Hello!”, giving you the feel of the Swedish brand.
With the store being smaller than usual, its main aim is to be able to pick up certain home accessories and soft furnishings easily. However, there is still entire room sets and test items available to view, with items like wardrobes, tables and other bulkier stuff being able to be ordered in-store or for home delivery.
This whole idea makes it much easier for people who are unable to drive to an IKEA as its location is a city centre branch, making it easily accessible by tubes and other forms of public transport.
If this store is well executed with the public – IKEA have an aim of opening more smaller stores like this, in order to help those who don’t drive.
The last IKEA that was opened in London is located in Greenwich in 2019, it has been considered to be the “most sustainable IKEA store in the UK”.
The store was designed to have a positive impact on the environment and promote healthy and sustainable living. Other London branches are located in Tottenham, Croydon and Wembley.
Meatballs?
The most important question based on the opening of the store in Hammersmith – Yes, they still have their divine and popular meatballs on sale. They offer an immersive, multi-sensory experience that allows you to enjoy a taste of Sweden with their Swedish Deli located inside the store.
They also have a takeaway section, so you can get your food fix from just walking by. This is also an easier way for customers to dine from IKEA without having to trek miles for it.
Overall, this small store is larger than life, bringing a new way to how we shop IKEA.
