Ikea lands 3,700+ applications for new Oxford Street London store roles as it preps Spring opening
Ikea says that it has received 3,730 applications in just six days for its new Oxford Street, London store. Interest in the 150 available positions marks the largest ever response the home furnishing retailer has seen in the UK.
It provides the independently set Real Living Wage of £13.85 per hour alongside benefits including flexible work arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and a free healthy meal option served every day.
Successful applicants will be offered multi-skilled roles, working across different departments. They will work in a store that aims to fuse traditional retail expertise with new digital solutions and sustainable practices.
Matt Gould, Market Manager for Ikea London City, says: "This extraordinary response demonstrates the incredible appeal of joining the Ikea co-worker family. We're delighted to see such enthusiasm for our most innovative store yet, and we look forward to building a diverse team that will help shape the future of urban retail in London."
The retailer has now closed its application process and will move into the assessment phase. It says that it is looking to recruit based on its culture and values, not just previous experience.
As a city store, the Oxford Street location will include a Showroom, Market Hall filled with home furnishing accessories, and a Swedish Deli serving dishes like Ikea plant and meatballs. In addition, it will offer free planning services for kitchens, wardrobes and bathrooms.
Gould adds: “We’re looking for people from all walks of life to join our new Oxford Street team to help us achieve our mission of creating a better everyday life for the many. Our roles promise to offer variety, from replenishing the store to helping urban dwellers understand their home needs and wants. All co-workers will be given opportunities to learn valuable work and life skills in our first central London store.”
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, says: “A recovering Oxford Street is bringing not only top names but good quality jobs to the West End. It is great to see Ikea creating 150 quality jobs and as brands occupy space on Oxford Street, more opportunities will be created. Westminster Employment Service is helping recruit local people to the jobs – part of our pledge to ensure that everyone in Westminster benefits from the economic powerhouse of the West End.”
2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Ikea was among the winners at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
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