Swedish furniture giant Ikea has shared a first glimpse of some of the products on offer when it opens its doors in New Zealand later this year.
The store is scheduled to open at Auckland’s Sylvia Park, with the retailer targeting a Christmas launch, Kiwi Property chairperson Simon Shakesheff confirmed last month.
Ahead of its launch, Ikea NZ home furnishing and retail design manager Edward Hincks revealed five items that would be on shelves in Aotearoa, after research explored what New Zealanders might want from the home furnishings chain.
The products were selected after Ikea commissioned a Life at Home Report New Zealand, which delved into what Kiwis were wanting.
“Each product addresses real problems that many Kiwis are facing in their homes,” Hincks said. “They embody Ikea’s Democratic Design principles, where form, function, quality, sustainability, and affordability are built into every design decision,” he said.
Items included:
Mackapär shoe rack
With an estimated 8% of New Zealand homes’ entryways overcrowded with shoes and other items, according to Ikea’s Life at Home report, the ackapär shoe rack could help clear the clutter.
“Kiwis live outdoors,” Hincks said. “Tramping, gardening, beach walks, the list goes on. This means taking your shoes off at the door is second nature, but many homes lack a dedicated space to put them, and entranceways can become cluttered. This is why we think our MACKAPÄR shoe rack is going to be welcomed with open arms.”
Kallax shelving unit
The Kallax shelving unit was selected for its versatility, Hincks said.
“It works as a room divider, custom entertainment unit, display cabinet and storage for children’s toys, craft or homework.”
Billy bookcase
The Billy bookcase was one of Ikea’s most popular products worldwide.
“Our Life at Home Report tells us that personalisation and displaying sentimental items connected to memories are deeply important to Kiwis,” Hincks said. “In fact, 31% of New Zealanders say that a sense of belonging comes from displaying their personality at home.”
The bookcase offers adjustable shelves and customisation.
Uppdatera storage box
With more Kiwis moving into townhouses and apartments, the Uppdatera storage boxes were ideal for those short on space, Hincks said.
The boxes – measuring 24cm x 17cm – were”perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes and any overlooked nook”.
Ikea 365+ food storage
With 48% of households struggling with kitchen storage and 45% preferring home-cooked meals, Hincks said Ikea’s 365+ food storage range delivered “smart solutions for everyday Kiwi life”.
The containers came in plastic and glass varieties with a choice of snap-and-lock plastic or natural bamboo lids.
Construction on the 34,000 square-metre store began in June 2023. The store would be three floors – a carpark followed by two levels of retail – and have a restaurant and bistro featuring its famous meatballs.
Work was also completed on an external warehouse near Auckland Airport in December last year.
Ikea had initially announced in January 2019 it would open a New Zealand store “in the next few years”, but this was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Operating in 31 markets and founded in 1943, the Ikea brand was operated by several companies with different owners.
