Ikea opens doors to retailer's first pop-up store in Northern Ireland, at The Boulevard in Banbridge
Ikea yesterday opened the doors of its first pop-up store in Northern Ireland, at The Boulevard in Banbridge.
The 250 sqm location reflects the retailer’s strategy to bring the brand closer to where people live, work, and shop. The pop up will remain open until spring 2026, serving as a hub for personalised planning services, home furnishing inspiration, and online order pickup.
It offers a curated selection of 150 home furnishing accessories available for immediate takeaway, spanning kitchen, bedroom and living room essentials.
Ikea’s planning specialists will be on hand to support customers in designing their dream spaces, whether it’s creating a fully customised kitchen, reimagining bedroom storage with the PAX wardrobe system, or tailoring solutions for flexible and space saving living.
A fully branded Collect Near You point allows customers to drop in and pick up their online orders. This complements existing locations in Ballymena, Limavady, and Dungannon.
Michaela Quinlan, Market Manager, Ikea Belfast, says: “We are thrilled to open our first pop-up in Northern Ireland, and it’s been fantastic to welcome inside our first customers. Located in a busy retail outlet, this pop-up store is designed to make it easier than ever for customers in the surrounding areas to conveniently drop in and shop with us.”
“The new store offers inspiring and affordable home solutions, and our Collect Near You point means customers can access our full product range online and collect their orders close to home. We’ve had such a warm response from our first visitors today, and we look forward to welcoming even more customers in the coming weeks."
Alastair Coulson, Managing Director at Lotus Property (owners of The Boulevard), says: “We are thrilled to see Ikea officially open its doors at The Boulevard, as part of its first pop up initiative in Northern Ireland.”
“To become home to so many brands ‘first’ or ‘only’ location is a huge testament to the scheme and our loyal customer base. The arrival of the global home furnishings brand is incredibly exciting as we ramp up for Christmas, and we would like to wish Ikea the best of luck with their new store and look forward to welcoming onsite both new and existing customers from across the region.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Physical stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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