IKEA UK has unveiled plans to close its Tottenham store in Edmonton, North London. The news comes as the retailer commits to investing over €1.2bn (£1bn) in London over the next three years to better meet the needs of its customers. As part of the retailer’s move to optimize its operations, a new, smaller format store opened in Hammersmith, West London, in February this year. The retailer will also open a new fulfilment centre in Dartford in December 2022, expanding its fulfilment capacity and unlocking 24-hour deliveries in London. In Autumn 2023, IKEA UK will open their long-awaited store on London’s Oxford Street.
The company will now enter a period of collective consultation with the 450 co-workers affected by this proposal and is committed to retaining as many as possible. The business will create over 600 vacancies in London before the proposed store closure, which as a priority will be offered to the affected co-workers.
Peter Jelkeby, Country Retail Manager and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA UK & Ireland commented: “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."
