Swedish retail giant IKEA's announced that its first New Zealand big-box (emphasis on BIG) will open at Auckland's Sylvia Park shopping complex on December 4. The company marked the announcement by installing the widely-known IKEA yellow wordmark on the side of the 34,000 m² store. The store will have 7,500 products available and the company website says it will feature "an expansive Showroom filled with fully styled room sets from bedrooms and kitchens to outdoor spaces". "The Market Hall area is stocked with curated home accessories, and a self-serve warehouse is where customers can pick up larger flatpack furniture to take home that day, or via home delivery at a more convenient time." Mirja Viinanen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Australia and New Zealand said it had been "some time" since the company first announced intentions to enter New Zealand in 2019. "However, from the start it has been our aim to enter in the best way possible and to be a good neighbour. Not just for opening, but for the long term." Sylvia Park was chosen for its "well-established access to public transport via train or bus, car and bike". The company says that beyond the store, together with partners Mainfreight and NZ Post, IKEA is "ensuring that every New Zealander can access its home furnishings, no matter where they live". IKEA will offer home delivery, in addition to 29 Pick Up Points spread from the top of the north island to the bottom of the south, enabling customers to collect their orders at convenient locations, close to their home. IKEA says it has partnered with traffic management experts, Chevron, "to model peak visitation scenarios around its opening period and will rehearse a practice opening day to identify any pre-opening issues to iron out in advance. During the opening period, static and digital wayfinding signage will be displayed along prominent routes, alongside dedicated traffic controllers on launch day and opening period". "Customers are encouraged to travel to the IKEA store using public transport, especially around the opening period. In addition to taking advantage of the convenient IKEA services provided, to receive their order, including home delivery, Pick Up Points and Click & Collect outside peak hours - to help ease traffic congestion."
5 Comments
See if ikea
:)
NZ Herald can dust off the Manawa Bay traffic rage stories and tweak in anticipation. It will be an outrage and the people will speak.
A commentator on Interest indicated I overstated a problem with Maori "interference" in building construction of the Ikea complex. Start about 1m in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6giRgyD_gRE. Also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MDiE2ZjMpY Why Do Iwi's Have A Say in This? which relates directly to Ikea. I don't think I overstated it. Another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7Pp1oqouec Iwi's are Holding the NZ Retail Market to Ransom!
If you're anyone else in the business of selling home wares: brace for impact.
Good, that sector needs disruption. A few years ago I wanted to buy a kitchen table. Most products were close to $1000 and made of particle board. Chairs were over $100 each and were plastic rubbish. I decided to stay with my old one until a can find a decent second hand one that's made of real wood.
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