IKEA issues statement on plans for new Oxfordshire store

The popular Swedish retail brand, which designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, has been the world’s largest furniture retailer since 2008.

Currently, the closest stores to Oxfordshire are in Milton Keynes and Reading, which both require lengthy drives to reach.

With new stores being announced to open in Chester, Essex and Norwich, last April, the Oxford Mail enquired if there were plans for a move to the county soon.

Having been told that there were no solid plans for an expansion into Oxfordshire last year, but with an eye kept on the situation by IKEA, this newspaper has asked again, one year on.

Today (Tuesday, April 7), a spokesperson for the brand said: “We’re in a fast-changing retail environment and we want to make sure we continue to be affordable and convenient.

“Our ambitious growth plans mean we are focusing on all parts of creating a great customer experience, whenever and wherever people need us.

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“This includes investing in our online offer, pick up points and customer services, rebuilding and adapting existing IKEA stores, and evaluating different locations as part of our expansion strategy.​

“Whilst we are reviewing our strategy on an ongoing basis. We are not considering Oxfordshire as a potential location for IKEA at this current time.”

For Oxfordshire customers who prefer not to travel to Reading or Milton Keynes, the brand’s products can be delivered straight to homes or to a Tesco or DPD pick‑up point nearby.