Latest news with #PeterJelkeby
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Swedish giants Ikea makes Cheshire West planning application
On April 1 this year, the worldwide furniture giants confirmed it will be occupying the former Homebase unit at the Greyhound Retail Park. Plans submitted last week are for the installation of three internally-illuminated fascia signs as well as a three non-illuminated flags and an advertisement banner. However, the business said that an opening date is yet-to-be confirmed. A covering letter with the application stated: 'Consent is sought for various new fascia signs which would replace existing signage. 'IKEA have recently acquired several former Homebase units in established retail parks to roll out a new small-format store concept across the UK. 'The new format stores provide the typical, renowned IKEA experience on a small scale.' It added: 'The site is located within the established Greyhound Retail Park, located one mile from the centre of Chester. 'It is home to a wide range of convenience and comparison retail brands including Asda, Boots and Home Bargains. 'The main entrance to the unit faces Greyhound Park Road, with customer car parking surrounding the unit to the north, east and west. 'An external display area for a garden centre is located to the south of the unit, and is enclosed by a three-metre in height fence. 'Four fascia signs prevail on the unit, one on each façade. 'The site is not allocated for any particular use in the Development Plan, nor is it designated as, or located within the setting of, a heritage asset. OTHER NEWS: 'It is within the defined settlement boundary of Chester and within an aerodrome safeguarded area, as is the entirety of the retail park, due to its proximity to Hawarden Airport.' Previously, Ikea said it was looking forward to coming to Chester. Peter Jelkeby, IKEA UK and Ireland chief executive officer, said: 'We know many people want to shop with IKEA but in some instances are just too far away. 'That's why we are strategically expanding our UK footprint, with the aim of showing up in convenient, accessible locations for our customers. 'In Chester we've been looking for the perfect location for many years. 'The site on the Greyhound Retail Park ensures visitors from across Cheshire, North Wales and surrounding areas have more convenient access to a local IKEA store.'
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Ikea announces closing date for UK store weeks after opening Oxford Street site
Swedish flatpack retailer Ikea will shut its Plan and Order point at the Stockport Merseyway Shopping Centre on June 16 Ikea is closing one of its shops - just two years after it first opened. The Swedish flatpack retailer will shut its Plan and Order point at the Stockport Merseyway Shopping Centre on June 16. Ikea Plan and Order points are smaller stores that focus on kitchen, bedroom, and living room planning, where shoppers are given design advice. You cannot take items home from a Plan and Order point, but you can place orders there for home delivery. The next nearest Ikea store is located in Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside. Salma Azad, Ikea area manager said: 'After careful evaluation, we've made the difficult decision to close the Ikea Plan and Order Point at Merseyway Shopping Centre. 'In the two years since opening, we've taken valuable learnings, including how our customers prefer to meet Ikea, and we'll take these insights into future openings, to serve shoppers in a more impactful way. 'I want to sincerely thank all of the customers that have shopped with us in this time. Ikea Manchester, a store locals know and love, will continue to be the closest hub for home planning, meatballs and everything in between.' It comes after Ikea opened its brand new Oxford Street store in London last month after taking over the former TopShop site. The store spans three floors of the seven-storey building, comprising the ground and two lower ground floors, with a retail space of 5,800 square metres. It is the second smaller format Ikea store, following the Hammersmith branch which opened its doors in 2023. There are around 6,000 product lines in the Oxford Street store but only 3,500 products are available to take home. Each item is labelled with either a yellow or red tag, to indicate whether you can buy and take it away from the store, or whether you need to order it for home delivery or click and collect. Speaking ahead of the opening, Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA UK, said: 'It will be an IKEA many know and love, with some new features exclusive to this iconic city centre store. "Created in collaboration with real voices and with Londoners in mind, opening our doors is a landmark moment following a meticulous renovation and we are truly excited to share it." Tolga Öncü, Ingka Retail Manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group), said: 'Adding Oxford Street to the IKEA map is a special moment for us. This store, on one of the busiest and most well-known streets in the world, exemplifies our ambition to innovate our retail presence and bring IKEA to where our customers live, work, and socialise. "Offering our well-designed and affordable products to more people in city centres across the globe remains our way forward.'
Metro
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
From River Island to Selfridges, & Other Stories and more – here's our picks
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Well would you look at that, the first of two bank holidays is here – and with the sun still shining, we're doing everything we can to make the most of it over the long weekend. Just like every week, our shopping expert has searched high and low for the hottest products, exciting news – fresh from the high street – and all the bargains and sales you need to know about. Now we bet you're wondering 'how could she possibly top the bumper editions she's carefully handpicked and put together before?' – we she has, and you won't want to miss a second of it. Our suggestion, pop the kettle on, take five, and get your debit card ready for some mild spending that's about to happen… Of course we must start with the hottest news: after what feels like a lifetime, IKEA has opened its doors in the iconic TOPSHOP space at Oxford Circus – marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with CEO Peter Jelkeby, Mayor Sadiq Khan, and the Swedish Ambassador. The event drew large crowds and even featured street performers on May 1. IKEA superfan Vicky Dawson, who has visited all UK stores, was among the first to enter – what a legend! For the matcha and tattoo obsessed, Blank Street is launching a pop-up experience this Spring, combining a Matcha Bar with a drop-in-only Tattoo Studio in collaboration with renowned artists from The London Social and The Manchester Social. Visitors can receive a fine line tattoo and enjoy a refreshing iced drink. The pop-up will be open in London at Battle Bridge Place in Kings Cross from Friday May 9 (11am-7pm) to Saturday May 10 (11am-7pm), and at Aviva Studios in Manchester from Friday May 16 (11am-7pm) to Saturday May 17 (11am-7pm). Sticking with the beverage theme, new research shows that Gen Z prefers personalised nicknames over outdated pet names. To celebrate this trend, Coca-Cola's 'Share a Coke' campaign now includes customisable cans with modern nicknames, available from May 15. The campaign highlights the importance of nicknames in Gen Z friendships and offers a fun way to express these connections. These are just a few things our expert thinks you need to know about, with plenty more… So get that card ready, as we predict some spending in your future. Teremana Blanco Tequila, founded by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, is a premium, small-batch tequila made from 100% blue weber agave in Jalisco, Mexico. It features bright citrus notes and a fresh, clean finish, achieved through traditional brick oven roasting and copper pot distillation. The tequila is celebrated for its quality and sustainability, having won several awards. It is versatile for sipping or mixing in cocktails and is gluten-free with no carbs or sugar. Buy Now for £39.99 at selfridges The Classic Hair Claw-Clip from & Other Stories is a medium-sized accessory featuring a playful pattern. Made from 70% recycled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and 30% methyl acrylate-butadiene-styrene, it measures 8 cm by 4 cm and is designed to securely hold hair while adding a stylish touch. Buy Now for £14 at & other stories This advanced blend of adaptogens, amino acids, vitamins, and functional mushrooms is crafted to support energy metabolism, psychological function, and overall balance through nutrient replenishment. With no caffeine, no added sugar, and a refreshingly tropical taste, it's not a quick-fix but a foundation for your daily calm and composure. Buy Now from £24 at free soul Skinstitut's UV Defence SPF 50+ is an oil-free, high-protection sunscreen suitable for daily use. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature ageing and sunspots. The formula is non-comedogenic, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. Apply generously 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Buy Now for £39 at Skinstitut The Essence Gold 23 Watch by Abbott Lyon is a luxurious timepiece featuring a gold 5-link chain strap and a pearlescent square dial. It is equipped with a Quartz Seiko Movement and is water-resistant up to 3 ATM1. Designed for everyday wear, it combines elegance and versatility. The watch comes with a two-year warranty and is packaged in luxury recyclable materials. Buy Now for £149 at abbott lyon Experience exceptional lip care with this exfoliating lip scrub, designed to rejuvenate and refresh your lips. Infused with nourishing ingredients and the invigorating flavour of matcha, this scrub gently removes dry skin, leaving your lips incredibly smooth. Buy Now for £20.85 at sync The ZERO Sunglasses by Taylor Morris, inspired by the iconic frames worn by John Lennon, feature completely flat, base zero lenses for a distinctive look. Crafted from handmade green tortoiseshell cellulose acetate, these sunglasses include hunter green CR39 lenses with CAT3 UV protection. The design is complemented by stainless steel with gold metal detailing and bespoke temples. The ZERO has become a brand favourite and is instantly recognisable. Buy Now for £210 at Taylor Morris London The Pink Printed Shirt Pyjama Set from River Island is a stylish and comfortable two-piece ensemble. It includes a collared shirt and matching shorts, both featuring a graphic print. The shirt has short sleeves and button fastening, while the shorts come with an elasticated drawstring waistband and pockets. This set is perfect for a chic and relaxed night in. Buy Now for £36 at river island The Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk bundle includes the innovative Matcha Latte Magic Whisk, designed to create perfect hot or iced matcha lattes at home with ease. It comes with the Magical Matcha Selection Box, featuring 12 diverse 5g matcha tins, including popular flavours like Ice Cream and Salted Caramel. This bundle is ideal for both beginners and matcha enthusiasts. Buy Now for £125 (worth £135) at bird and blend tea The Halo Essential Scoop Tank has been redesigned with a new scoop neck and a fitted silhouette. Made from Vuori's ultra-soft brushed DreamKnit™ fabric, which consists of 89% recycled materials, this tank offers exceptional comfort. It features wide straps and a high back, making it perfect for both lounging and active wear. Buy Now for £65 at vuori Experience the ultimate skin rejuvenation with our Fine Lines Serum. This high-performance serum features a patented oil-in-water emulsion containing micro-active droplets from seven natural oils in the SAPTA COMPLEX ©. Enriched with antioxidant Forsythosides B, mango extract, and adaptogenic plants, it boosts cellular oxygenation, restores elasticity and firmness, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Buy Now for £119 at Almora botanica The Dorina Curves Navy Floral Ink Print Swimsuit is a stylish and flattering swimwear option designed for comfort and elegance. This swimsuit features a deep V-neck with a twisted front, wide adjustable straps, and a pull-on stretchy design. The navy floral ink print adds a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for a chic beach or poolside look. Additionally, it includes pockets for added convenience. Buy Now for £18.20 (was £28) at new look Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Top 6 items any first-time buyer should have on their shopping list as chosen by our shopping expert MORE: From chaos to clarity – how Noli's AI technology is changing the world of beauty shopping and waste
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
IKEA opens its Oxford Street store after two year delay but shoppers have one concern
The wait is over, as Ikea finally launch their Oxford Street store years after its initial open date in 2023. Although shoppers have one concern about the new store opening The day has finally arrived. Affordable homeware store IKEA has arrived at the most iconic street for British shoppers and tourists alike: Oxford Street. The three-storey building with a retail space of 5,800 square metres is bound to take over one of the busiest shopping districts in the capital city. The highly anticipated store was initially set to open in autumn 2023. However, IKEA announced its delay, moving it to the following year. The opening date was then again pushed for the late time for spring 2025, citing extensive refurbishment requirements. But the wait is now over, as IKEA Oxford Street opens its doors at 214 Oxford Street on May 1. The new store will offer the traditional IKEA experience, with its iconic showroom filled with home décor inspiration, dreamy room sets, and a market hall with home furnishing accessories. And of course, the delicatessen of the Swedish kitchen offering the signature hotdogs and meatballs served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and cream sauce. The 113-year-old building was purchased by IKEA's parent company Ingka Group for £378 million in 2021, The Mirror reported. Interestingly, the building used to be home to the iconic Topshop store, which sadly closed down in 2021, after almost 30 years of trading. At twice the size of its Hammersmith's King Street store, IKEA Oxford Street is expected to attract 60,000 shoppers a week. The Oxford Street store will have a 25-square metre Live Studio available for "locally relevant events", as well as a Re-Shop and Re-Use section for customers to buy second-hand, second-life, and discontinued IKEA products. IKEA UK shared the exciting news via their Instagram account, captioning it: 'The wait is almost over… IKEA is coming to Oxford Street on 1st May! Hit the reminder button to get notified!' Excited shoppers, who have been counting down the days, flooded the comment section. One wrote: 'Finally it is getting opened… Some of us have waited this long to see it opened.' A second user followed: 'FINALLY.' With a third one commenting, 'We used to shop till we dropped at Topshop! Now we'll be shopping to stay in our comfort zones!' READ MORE: I went to shop dubbed 'little IKEA' and found so many bargains However, shoppers have one concern about the store opening on one of the busiest streets in London. As Click & Collect will be available for shoppers, the lack of parking space on Oxford Street has left some wondering how they will carry their big purchases. One Instagram user questioned with a laughing emoji: 'How are you meant to collect big things when you can't drive down there.' Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA UK, said: 'Whether a local Londoner or a tourist passing through, IKEA Oxford Street aims to inspire home dreams for everyone – offering beautifully designed, functional furnishings at prices affordable for as many people as possible, ensuring visitors leave with ideas and solutions that make everyday life at home a little better'. London's Oxford Street is an iconic shipping district, with an estimated half a million people visiting the street every day. He added: "IKEA Oxford Street's location complements our network of stores in London – and beyond – and allows us to be closer to where our customers live, work and shop, while importantly being easily accessible by foot or public transport. We look forward to welcoming you in.' Leader of Westminster City Council, Councillor Adam Hug, added: "IKEA joining Oxford Street is an exciting addition to one of London's most iconic shopping destinations. Oxford Street continues to evolve, with more shops opening and new brands choosing to invest here, and IKEA will be a huge draw for visitors to the West End." When is IKEA Oxford Street opening? IKEA Oxford Street will open on May 1st, 2025. It will be open daily from 10am until 8pm. Other IKEA warehouses include Croydon, Greenwich, Lakeside, Hammersmith and Wembley. Its Wembley location is its biggest store at 40,000 square meters, seven times the size of the one on Oxford Street.
The Independent
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
First look inside Ikea's new three-floor Oxford Street store
Ikea is finally set to open its highly anticipated Oxford Street store on Thursday, marking a significant step in the 'rejuvenation' of the area as a shopping destination. The new store, located in the former Topshop building, will span three floors and sell around 6,000 products, of which 3,500 can be carried away by customers immediately, and the rest ordered for home delivery, click and collect or collection off-site from lockers and other pick-up points. One of the store's unique features is the inclusion of three "curated shops" designed by London residents, which aim to 'reflect and celebrate the character and diversity' of the city's inhabitants. The world's largest furniture retailer has also incorporated "roomsets" created with input from Londoners, showcasing practical living solutions for various urban lifestyles. These include setups for working from home, running a small business, and maximising space in properties with period features, basement apartments with limited natural light, and even small balconies. In a global first for the firm, the store will feature a live studio with broadcasting capabilities, enabling it to host events such as cooking demonstrations. It will also have a Re-Shop and Re-Use section where customers can buy second-hand and discontinued Ikea products. A 130-seat Swedish deli will allow visitors to dine 'affordably' in the city centre on dishes including hot dogs from 85p and meatballs or plantballs starting at £4.95, with takeaway options also available. It is the second UK high street store for the company – the first opened in Hammersmith in 2022 – which it described as a 'milestone' in a strategy to expand its presence in city centres with smaller formats, increasing accessibility for customers. Another city centre store, in central Brighton, is set to open this summer, followed by three smaller stores in Chester, Harlow and Norwich this year. The company said it had further specific areas of interest, including in London, the Midlands and the North West, but no new locations to confirm yet. Peter Jelkeby, chief executive and chief sustainability officer of Ikea UK, said: 'We continue to dedicate our energy to our UK expansion plans and investing heavily to become more accessible. 'To complement our existing stores, we are laser-focused on continuing to innovate to reach more customers, with a network of new, smaller stores that offer different experiences, as well as new services that meet all of our customers' needs – no matter where they live.' The firm described its new location as at the 'heart of one of the world's most dynamic shopping streets'. Ingka Investment, the investment arm of the retail group, bought the Grade II listed building at 214 Oxford Street after Topshop owner Arcadia fell into administration. Work started on the site in 2022, with original plans to open the location by autumn 2023, but the renovations were dogged by complications, including water leaks in the building's basement. Tolga Oncu, Ingka retail manager, said: 'Adding Oxford Street to the Ikea map is a special moment for us. 'This store, on one of the busiest and most well-known streets in the world, exemplifies our ambition to innovate our retail presence and bring Ikea to where our customers live, work, and socialise. 'Offering our well-designed and affordable products to more people in city centres across the globe remains our way forward.' The store's opening is seen as a crucial part of the revival of Oxford Street, which suffered a slump in visitor numbers during the Covid pandemic, leading to sites sitting vacant and the opening of a string of American sweet shops. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: 'It's fantastic news that Ikea is opening a new flagship store on Oxford Street. 'It's a huge vote of confidence in London, in our economy and in our plans to rejuvenate Oxford Street and unlock its true potential. 'Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the world and we want to give it a new lease of life. 'This involves attracting brilliant companies like Ikea, which will help to create new jobs and increase footfall. 'We have developed bold proposals to pedestrianise Oxford Street and to establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events. 'The consultation on these plans closes on May 2 so I encourage everyone to have their say.'
