Covid and Brexit brew ‘perfect storm’ as Ikea stores hit by supply issues September 6, 2021 Ikea has been hit by the UK’s current lorry driver shortage, as it confirmed it is struggling with supplying around 1,000 of its product lines. The shortages, including mattresses in some stores, has been ignited by both the pandemic and Brexit, the Swedish furniture giant said. “Like many retailers, we are experiencing ongoing challenges with [...]
Ikea shelves plan for a new Sussex store due to ‘changing shopping habits’ July 7, 2021 Ikea UK has said it’s scrapping planned development of a new store at the New Monks Farm site in Lancing, Sussex. The Swedish furniture giant had selected the site in 2016 and was granted planning permission in 2020 as part of a £170m regeneration plan. However, the flat-pack furniture seller has pulled the plug, owing [...]
Ikea Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation pledge $1bn to renewable energy June 21, 2021 The Ikea Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation have today pledged $1bn towards renewable energy and kick-starting a climate-conscious post-pandemic recovery. In a bid to tackle climate change and energy poverty, the foundations have set up a platform to cut carbon emissions by one billion tons. The platform, launching later this year, will let emerging economies [...]
Ikea launches scheme to buy back used furniture after pandemic delays May 5, 2021 Ikea has launched a service allowing customers to sell furniture back to the store after the planned start date was delayed due to the pandemic. The Swedish homewares giant said the buy back scheme will be available to UK customers from today. Customers will be able to sell furniture they no longer need back to [...]
Ikea and ITV invest in location tech startup what3words March 25, 2021 Ikea and ITV have both thrown their weight behind a startup that has divided the world into three-metre squares each with a unique three-word name to help pinpoint addresses. Ingka Group, the holding company behind the Swedish flat-pack giant, has pumped £12m into what3words, while ITV has taken a minority stake valued at £2m. What3words, [...]
Ikea France on trial over illegal spying on employees and customers March 22, 2021 Ikea’s French subsidiary and several of its former executives have gone on trial over accusations that they illegally spied on employees and customers. Trade unions reported the furniture and home goods company to French authorities in 2012, accusing it of collecting personal data by fraudulent means and the illicit disclosure of personal information. The unions [...]
Flat-pack jabs: New London vaccine hub assembled at former Ikea store January 24, 2021 A former Ikea store has been transformed into a Covid-19 vaccination centre amid a ramping up of jab facilities in the capital. Up to 25 new vaccination sites will start offering Covid jabs this week as the NHS accelerates the biggest immunisation programme in its history. A former Ikea store at the Westfield shopping centre [...]
Ikea to buy back used furniture to resell as second hand October 13, 2020 Ikea has launched a scheme to buy back used flatpack furniture to be resold in stores as second hand. The Swedish firm announced this morning that the “Buy Back” initiative is part of its plan to “become a fully circular and climate positive business by 2030”. Customers will be given vouchers to spend in Ikea [...]
Ikea launches vegetarian meatball in climate crusade July 16, 2020 Vegetarians will now be able to try Ikea’s iconic meatballs after the Swedish giant announced it would launch a vegetarian version of the classic food. From 3 August, customers will be able to buy the new creation, named “plant balls”, which Ikea said were a “more sustainable” take on one of its best-loved products. Made [...]
Which retailers are reopening as the coronavirus lockdown lifts? June 12, 2020 After two months of being closed during the coronavirus lockdown, Britain’s high streets are coming back to life. Across the board, retailers across the country are working out how to get their businesses going again – and what measures they need to take to keep people safe. So what shops can customers expect to open [...]