Ikea to shut Tottenham store in London strategy shift
Ikea is set to close its Tottenham superstore in Edmonton, north London, after deciding that the site’s “long-term viability” will be impacted by changing shopping habits and redevelopment in the area.
The closure, which will put 450 jobs at risk, came as the retailer underlined a commitment to invest more than £1bn in the capital over the next three years to “better meet” customer needs. It has pledged to create more than 600 job vacancies in London before the proposed store closure.
The retailer is set to open a new fulfilment centre in Dartford in December, enabling 24-hour deliveries in London. In autumn 2023, it will open its Oxford Street flagship.
Ikea is set to close its Tottenham superstore in Edmonton, north London, after deciding that the site’s “long-term viability” will be impacted by changing shopping habits and redevelopment in the area.
The closure, which will put 450 jobs at risk, came as the retailer underlined a commitment to invest more than £1bn in the capital over the next three years to “better meet” customer needs. It has pledged to create more than 600 job vacancies in London before the proposed store closure.
The retailer is set to open a new fulfilment centre in Dartford in December, enabling 24-hour deliveries in London. In autumn 2023, it will open its Oxford Street flagship.
Ikea said online sales represented almost half of its total sales last year, and that demand has sped up for different services and convenient deliveries.
Peter Jelkeby, country retail manager and chief sustainability officer at Ikea UK and Ireland, said: “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.”
A council spokesperson said: “Enfield Council is disappointed Ikea has decided to close its branch in the borough, but we understand that their business model is changing. We welcome Ikea’s commitment to retaining and relocating within its business as many of its co-workers as possible.
“We recognise this will be a difficult time for all affected co-workers and their families. The council will work with Ikea, trade unions and other agencies to support our residents who are affected by this decision.
“The Ikea site is an important aspect of the wider Meridian Water project. More immediately, Enfield Council is encouraging Ikea to actively think about a meanwhile use for the site to support our local economy.”
See also: The EG Interview: Ingka Centres’ Cindy Andersen on Ikea’s city future
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