We've got some exciting news for all you furniture-loving, meatball-craving peeps out there. The construction of the first-ever IKEA store in Aotearoa has officially begun!
Located at Sylvia Park in Auckland, this mammoth-sized IKEA store - 34,000m2 to be exact - is set to open its doors to the public in late 2025.
But wait, there's more! Not only will you be able to physically explore the store, but online shopping will also be available. That sound like a bit of me!
Now, let's talk about the store itself. Brace yourselves, because it's going to be huge! With three floors to explore and a ground-level car park, you'll have plenty of space to find that perfect piece of furniture to complete your space.
And let's not forget about the food. The new IKEA store will have a Swedish Restaurant and Bistro, serving up those famous meatballs and hot dogs that we all know and love. And fear not our non-meat-eating friends, because there will be plant-based versions of these Swedish classics as well. YES!
As with all IKEA stores, sustainability is at the core of the development. The goal is to achieve an NZ 5 Green Star rating, and they're doing everything they can to make sure it happens.
The store will feature solar panels on the roof, electric vehicle chargers in the car park and 100% LED lighting. IKEA is stepping up its green game, and we're here for it!
Mirja Viinanen, the CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA New Zealand and Australia, shared her excitement about the beginning of the construction process: "We know anticipation has been building since we first announced our intention to come to New Zealand."
We've been eagerly waiting for the day we can walk through those iconic IKEA doors and say 'hej' to the world of Swedish design.
So mark your calendars for late 2025 and get ready to unleash your inner interior designer, indulge in Swedish treats, and embrace sustainable living!
