Ikea is preparing to unveil its latest store in Brighton, a move that is bringing over 150 new job opportunities to the city. This new location, the first of its kind in Sussex, is set to open today, taking over a former Debenhams unit and offering approximately 6,700 square meters of retail space spread over two floors.
Mark Buchanan-Smith, the manager of Churchill Square, expressed his enthusiasm, describing the addition of Ikea as a significant anchor for the area. However, Martha Tiffin, a local shop owner at Utility, shared concerns about competing with the Swedish retail giant on pricing.
The challenges faced by small businesses on the high street were highlighted by reports indicating a shift towards online shopping, leading to increased expenses for retailers. Ikea’s parent company, Ingka, acquired Churchill Square shopping center for around £145 million in November 2023, with the new store being smaller than typical Ikea outlets, necessitating delivery or click-and-collect services for certain furniture items.
The decision to open the Brighton store followed the cancellation of a planned full-size outlet in Lancing in 2021, attributed to evolving consumer behaviors. Residents in Brighton previously had to travel to Southampton or East Croydon to visit an Ikea store. The arrival of Ikea was viewed positively by Bella Sankey, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, who saw it as a vote of confidence in the city, promising job creation and economic growth.
While some business owners like George Diplocks of Diplock’s Yard in the North Laines area dismissed the impact of Ikea on their operations, Ikea Manager Karina Gilpin emphasized the convenience of finding all home essentials under one roof at the new store, along with Swedish food options for dining in or takeaway. The store aims to introduce Brightonians to Swedish cuisine like meatballs and dime cake, reflecting the company’s Swedish heritage.