IKEA opens its doors, creating 480 local jobs
Home furnishings retailer IKEA has today opened its 35,000 sqm Sheffield store, creating 480 jobs – 90% of which are from South Yorkshire.
Loyal fans travelled to IKEA Sheffield to be the first through the doors and experience the brand’s famous Swedish hospitality. Celebrations began on opening day morning with a ‘Fika’ cart laden with drinks and sweet treats, as well as music and entertainment from a steel band and juggler.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Gillian Drakeford, IKEA UK and Ireland Country Manager, alongside Garry Deakin, IKEA Sheffield Store Manager, The Swedish Ambassador His Excellency Mr Torbjörn Sohlström, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Anne Murphy and the leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Julie Dore.
The 35,000 sqm store will provide the full IKEA range of quality products at affordable prices and will include inspirational room sets, a crèche, restaurant, bistro and car park with around 1,000 spaces.
The IKEA Sheffield store, the 20th in the UK, has created over 480 jobs in a wide range of roles including customer relations, contact centre, sales, interior design and in the IKEA restaurant. Over 90% of the new team has been recruited from the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area.
Garry Deakin, IKEA Sheffield Store Manager
Garry Deakin, IKEA Sheffield Store Manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be opening our doors to the city of Sheffield today as we know that people in Sheffield have long been anticipating our arrival.
“Both myself and my talented team are looking forward to welcoming the people of South Yorkshire to the store, where they will be able to discover our unique shopping experience and inspirational home furnishings expertise.”
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “Any investment in Sheffield is welcome but this IKEA development is something special. IKEA is an iconic global brand that sits well in Sheffield. They are creating hundreds of jobs which will provide local people with real employment prospects and the opportunity to progress. The opening is a great day but the benefits of the new IKEA store will be felt for years to come.”
Following ‘The Wonderful Everyday Tour’, organised by IKEA, which saw a variety of events and installations pop up around Sheffield for the community to enjoy in the lead up to the opening, further celebrations including craft workshops and cookery classes will be continuing in the store over the coming months. Customers will be able to experience a range of different activities, including delicious food sampling, workshops and an exclusive student evening which will give advice on eating healthily on a budget and information on essential and affordable items for student living.
Gillian Drakeford, IKEA UK and Ireland Country Manager, said: “ The opening of IKEA Sheffield marks the continuation of a significant period of growth for our business. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in the UK next month, we remain committed to building a strong and trusted brand whilst continuing to bring IKEA closer to the many people. In addition to IKEA Sheffield, we will be opening two new stores in Exeter and Greenwich before the end of 2018.”
IKEA Sheffield is located on Sheffield Road, Tinsley and is served by the Carbrook tram stop. The retailer has invested a significant amount in improvements to the tram stop, cycleways and enhancing the efficiency of the bus fleet serving the store.
