Swedish home furniture retailer IKEA has begun construction on its first-ever Aotearoa New Zealand store. Located at Sylvia Park in Auckland, Kiwi’s will be able to buy a range of goods and affordable furniture by the end of 2025.
The highly-anticipated store was first announced back in 2019. But the business had many set-backs due to COVID-19. The IKEA brand was founded in 1943 and operates in over 60 countries with more 400 stores. Meanwhile, the Ingka Group who own 90% of IKEA stores, represent IKEA New Zealand.
According to Ingka Group, the large 3-storey building will be 34,000m2, with the store spread across two levels, alongside a ground level carpark. The store will be well connected to other retailers in Sylvia Park.
Additionally, there will be online shopping, a Swedish restaurant and bistro serving the famous meatballs, hot dogs and vegan food. Plus, IKEA New Zealand hopes to achieve an NZ 5 Green Star, so sustainability is at the forefront of the store’s development.
The construction officially started following a welcoming Māori blessing, as well as a Fika, which is a traditional Swedish ritual of coming together. Learn more about IKEA New Zealand via the Ingka website.