Ikea Launches Pop-Up Stores Ahead of New Zealand Opening

Ikea is set to introduce its first stores in New Zealand with a series of pop-up locations in Wellington and Christchurch. These temporary installations aim to showcase popular products and pricing ahead of the grand opening of its Auckland store on December 4, 2023. The Wellington pop-up will operate at Odlins Plaza from November 28 to December 17, while the Christchurch location in Cathedral Square starts on December 5 and runs until December 10.

The pop-ups will feature around 20 of Ikea’s bestselling items, allowing consumers to browse but not purchase on-site. Instead, customers will be able to order these products online or at the Auckland store once it opens. Items on display will range from children’s stools priced at $19.99 to dining chairs at $119 and two-seat sofas and rugs at $399.

Local Collaboration and Community Focus

According to Kirsten Hasler, Ikea’s head of marketing for Australia and New Zealand, the pop-ups are designed to provide a preview of what customers can expect from the brand. “We want to give customers a taste of what’s coming and what they can expect to pay,” she noted. The displays will feature homeware and furniture in a style that reflects the local culture of each city.

Ikea has partnered with local artists in both Wellington and Christchurch to create unique artwork for the pop-up spaces. Hasler emphasized the brand’s commitment to understanding local home life. “We really wanted to connect with the unique vibe of Christchurch and Wellington, bringing Swedish design and Kiwi creativity together,” she explained. This initiative aims to build a strong connection with the communities in which Ikea operates.

Details of the Auckland Store Opening

The new Ikea store in Auckland will be located at Sylvia Park and will span two levels. It includes various amenities such as a 400-seat restaurant, a bistro, and a children’s play area. In addition to over 7,000 items available for purchase, the store will also launch its online shopping services, which will include shipping across the country and 25 click-and-collect points.

Shipping costs for online orders will vary, with small items (8 kg or less) priced at $7, while larger items delivered by truck will cost $49 within metro areas and $69 in rural locations. The click-and-collect service will charge $29 in Auckland and $49 elsewhere.

As the opening approaches, Ikea anticipates a busy launch day, with some customers likely to camp outside the store in anticipation. Hasler noted that the prices at the New Zealand store will align with those in Australia, ensuring affordability while considering local operational costs and economic conditions.

“We always set the prices with affordability top of mind,” Hasler stated, reinforcing Ikea’s vision of creating a better everyday life for many people. The strategic pricing aims to balance customer accessibility with sustainable business practices.