Ikea is preparing to unveil its latest store in Brighton, a move that will bring over 150 job opportunities to the city. This new branch, marking Ikea’s debut in Sussex, will open today, taking over a former Debenhams unit and offering approximately 6,700 sqm of retail space spread across two floors.
Mark Buchanan-Smith, the manager of Churchill Square, expressed great enthusiasm about Ikea becoming the main anchor tenant at the location. However, Martha Tiffin, co-owner of the nearby independent houseware shop Utility, voiced concerns about competing with the Swedish retail giant on price but remained optimistic about surviving the competition.
The struggle of local retailers against larger competitors, particularly amidst a trend of consumers favoring online shopping, has been highlighted. Ikea’s parent company, Ingka, acquired Churchill Square shopping center for around £145m in November 2023. The new Ikea store, while smaller than typical Ikea locations, will offer delivery and click-and-collect services for certain furniture items.
This development follows a canceled plan for a full-size Ikea store in Lancing in 2021 due to evolving customer behaviors. Residents previously had to travel to Southampton or East Croydon for Ikea, making the new Brighton store a convenient addition. Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey welcomed the new store as a significant investment that will boost the local economy.
George Diplocks, owner of the consignment shop Diplock’s Yard in the North Laines area, expressed minimal concern about the impact of the new Ikea on his business, citing challenges faced by small businesses in the area. Meanwhile, Ikea Manager Karina Gilpin emphasized that the new store will offer a wide range of home essentials and Swedish food options for customers to enjoy on-site or take away.
