Get ready, furniture fans — New Zealand’s very first IKEA store is opening in just three months at Sylvia Park in Auckland! The giant Swedish retailer, famous for its flat-pack furniture, stylish showrooms, and delicious meatballs, is putting the finishing touches on its massive 34,000 square metre space.
The store will feature around 7,500 products across two floors, plus a ground-level car park for shoppers. And yes, the Swedish restaurant is coming too — serving up fan favourites like Swedish meatballs, hotdogs, and more.
IKEA New Zealand’s Market Manager, Johanna Cederlöf, says they’ve already hired 200 people, with another 320 staff joining over the coming weeks. “Every week, it’s going to be very busy,” she said, as teams prepare for the grand opening.
To avoid big crowds and traffic troubles, Auckland Council has advised IKEA not to open on public holidays, weekends, or busy shopping days like Black Friday.
IKEA’s arrival has been great news for job seekers — some 800 people applied for senior roles earlier this year, and the company continues to grow its New Zealand team.
In addition to in-store shopping, IKEA will offer online ordering with 29 pick-up points set up across the country, making it easier for Kiwis everywhere to join the flat-pack fun.
Construction for the store began in 2023, and now the countdown is on. Whether you’re looking for a new bookshelf, a fluffy rug, or just a plate of meatballs, IKEA’s big blue box is almost ready to welcome you in!
