Ikea is giving away free portions of chips in Brighton this weekend as it gears up to open new store in city

Ikea is this weekend opening a seagull proof ‘chip theft insurance kiosk’, giving free chips to locals and visitors alike, to try to make up for all the meals disrupted by Brighton’s infamous, feathered troublemakers over the years.

This officially opens on Saturday at midday at Brighton i360. The move comes as Ikea prepares to open its Brighton store in Churchill Square this Thursday (14th August).

If you’re in town today and tomorrow and fancy a free portion of chips (and why wouldn’t you?), you can head down to the kiosk, sign a 'chip theft insurance form' and register for Ikea Family – the retailer’s free membership programme that provides exclusive rewards, discounts, and instant benefits. Existing members are also welcome.

Karina Gilpin, Market Manager at Ikea Brighton, says: “We’re excited to move into our new Brighton home next Thursday, and to celebrate we’re embracing Brighton’s most infamous neighbours - its seagulls. Our chip theft insurance kiosk will offer Brightonians some tasty chips and a unique dining experience before our doors officially open.”

The Brighton store launch follows the closure of a pop-up, located inside Churchill Square, on 10th August. It will be open 10am-8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am–5pm on Sunday.

It’s a small world

Ikea is gearing up to open a new location in Norwich on Thursday, 28th August. This small store format is the second of three to go live, with a third planned for Chester in the coming months.

These locations, all of which are located in retail parks, reflect a new format for Ikea, designed to be quick to market and offering a simpler, faster shopping experience, just around the corner.

Key features and services include: 

A showroom and market hall featuring Ikea’s most popular families, home furnishing accessories and limited edition seasonal ranges.

Online access to the full range, with the option of home delivery or free collection in 48 hours.

Planning services for kitchens and bedroom storage to help customers design their dream spaces.

The opportunity to buy pre-loved Ikea products at more affordable prices and bring back items that are no longer needed in exchange for store credit.

A selection of food offered at The Swedish Bite for those wanting to eat in or take away.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, 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. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.