IKEA Announces December 4 Opening for Auckland Store at Sylvia Park

New Zealand’s first IKEA store will officially open its doors at the Sylvia Park shopping centre in Auckland on December 4, 2023. The announcement, made during a ceremony at the site, coincided with the installation of the iconic IKEA yellow wordmark on the side of the 34,000 m² building. This new location is expected to attract numerous Christmas shoppers and will also offer online ordering options for those unable to visit in person.

As part of the launch, IKEA is inviting New Zealanders to join its free loyalty program, IKEA Family. With over 213 million members globally, this program will provide exclusive benefits, early access to news, and personalized experiences once the store is operational.

Store Features and Offerings

The Auckland store will boast an impressive selection of 7,500 products. Customers can explore an expansive showroom filled with fully styled room sets, showcasing everything from bedrooms to kitchens and outdoor spaces. The Market Hall area will feature a curated collection of home accessories, while a self-serve warehouse allows customers to pick up larger flat-pack furniture for immediate transport or schedule home delivery.

One of the standout attractions will be the 426-seat Swedish Restaurant, which plans to serve IKEA’s renowned meatballs, salmon dishes, plant-based options, and exclusive meals tailored for the New Zealand market. Before exiting, customers can indulge in treats from the Bistro and Swedish Food Market, including cinnamon scrolls, hotdogs, and frozen meatballs to take home.

Leadership’s Commitment to New Zealand

Tolga Öncu, the Ingka Retail Manager at IKEA, expressed excitement about the store’s opening, stating, “The interest and anticipation for IKEA in New Zealand can be felt all the way to Sweden, and we are very much humbled by it.” He emphasized the emotional significance of welcoming New Zealand into the IKEA family, highlighting the company’s commitment to providing well-designed and affordable home furnishings.

Mirja Viinanen, Chief Executive and Chief Sustainability Officer for IKEA Australia and New Zealand, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m proud we can finally deliver the good news to New Zealanders that exactly three months from today, on December 4, IKEA will open its doors, both physically and online.”

Viinanen acknowledged the enthusiasm shown by New Zealanders and thanked them for their patience during the store’s development. She noted that the company’s journey began in 2019 when it first announced its plans to enter the New Zealand market.

The store’s foundation has been laid with strong community ties, including a Māori blessing that marked the start of construction in June 2023. Ongoing collaboration with local iwi, Kiwi Property, community groups, and businesses has been instrumental in establishing a foundation that aligns with IKEA’s vision of creating a better everyday life for New Zealanders.

As the opening date approaches, excitement continues to build in Auckland, with many eager to experience the distinctive offerings of IKEA firsthand.