Ikea partners with NI Hospice to transform wedding dress section of charity's Glengormley store
The retailer has partnered with Northern Ireland Hospice to transform the bridal section in the charity's Glengormley store into a purpose-built space.
Designed and fitted out by Ikea workers, it will provide brides-to-be with a glamorous wedding dress shopping experience at an affordable price.
Alan Kennedy, head of retail at Northern Ireland Hospice, found it easy to accept the furnishing retailer's proposal to assist the project aimed at adding an extra sparkle to the big day.
'We are delighted to partner with Ikea on this initiative, which will transform and enhance customers' joyous rite-of-passage shopping experience when choosing the perfect wedding gown or formal dress,' he said.
'Buying second-hand at your local hospice shop or by generously donating items you no longer need, including special occasion wear, is a great way to play your part in protecting the planet, while also supporting local people with life-limiting illnesses and who need hospice's specialist palliative care.'
As part of the renovation to ensure products are displayed in fitting surroundings to match the occasion, Ikea has donated wardrobe frames, rugs, curtains, armchairs, dressing tables, soft furnishings, and large mirrors to provide the perfect setting for wedding planning.
Additionally, bespoke décor has been crafted for the area, with carpenters from the Belfast branch of Ikea creating a purpose-built mirror wall and podium for brides to stand on before saying 'yes to the dress'.
The redesign has been complimented by the Scandinavian chain's large, eye-catching graphics which have been designed in-house to be displayed across the charity shop's windows.
The renovated bridal section will allow the charity to properly display its stock of over 40 high-quality wedding dresses, encouraging brides to buy pre-loved dresses and accessories.
It is also hoped that it will inspire more women to consider donating their wedding dresses to support the charity.
All proceeds from the sales of the pre-owned gowns and accessories will go directly to support the vital work of Northern Ireland Hospice, enabling it to continue offering specialist respite, symptom management and end-of-life palliative care to 4,000 infants, children and adults each year.
Hayley Thompson, interior designer at Ikea in Belfast, is delighted to help usher in a new look to enhance the wedding planning experience.
'Shopping for a wedding dress is such a special occasion and one that we wanted to make accessible to all brides in the local community,' she said.
'This partnership represents Ikea's commitment to sustainability and community, providing brides-to-be with a special shopping experience, as well as affordable access to pre-loved wedding gowns.
'We hope that the new bridal store will encourage more brides to donate their own wedding dresses, giving them a second life while supporting an incredible cause.'
Ikea in Belfast has a long relationship with the Northern Ireland Hospice, having previously worked hand-in-hand on a project for the charity's Somerton House store.
It said the latest engagement is a key part of Ikea's broader goal to provide services that help customers build a better and more sustainable everyday life.
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