Ikea to shutter Tottenham store to focus on smaller London formats

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Ikea is set to close its Tottenham superstore as part of its London transformation plan.

Ikea Tottenham store

Closing Ikea’s Tottenham store would put 450 jobs at risk

The Swedish furniture giant’s decision comes as part of its £1bn investment in the capital where it is seeking to bring Ikea closer to “where customers live, shop and socialise”.

Ikea said the plan to close the Tottenham store followed an “extensive assessment” as the business experienced a shift to online last year.

It also said the redevelopment of the area around the store brought into question its long-term viability.

The move has put 450 jobs at risk, but Ikea said it will retain as many staff as possible and will not close the store until it has created 600 vacancies in the London area. Priority will be given o those affected by the closure.

Ikea UK country retail manager and chief sustainability officer Peter Jelkeby said: “Taking care of our co-workers is our highest priority and we will lead with respect and compassion throughout the process.

“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.”

As part of the retailer’s London plans, it opened a small-format store in Hammersmith in February with a similar Oxford Street branch set to open in autumn 2023.

Ikea also plans to open a new fulfilment centre in Dartford, Kent, in December that will give the retailer 24-hour delivery capabilities in the London area.