Welsh shoppers are in for a treat as IKEA announces the opening of a new store just across the border in Chester. Set to occupy the space once home to Homebase at Greyhound Retail Park, this new location will offer a more convenient option for those living in North Wales and surrounding areas.
For many, the nearest IKEA has always been a bit of a trek to Warrington, sitting between Liverpool and Manchester. But with the Chester store, IKEA is finally making its iconic home furnishings and flat-pack wonders much more accessible for Welsh residents, cutting down the time and hassle spent travelling.
The new store will feature all the beloved IKEA elements: room sets, a market hall, and personalised planning studios, but with a slightly smaller footprint to suit the area. And for those who need a snack while shopping, the store will also offer a modified quick-bite section, including the much-loved Swedish meatballs to keep customers fuelled for a browse.
Peter Jelkeby, CEO of IKEA in the UK and Ireland, explains the decision behind the new location: “We know many people want to shop at IKEA, but in some cases, the distance makes it difficult. That’s why we’re expanding our footprint in the UK, opening stores in more convenient, accessible locations. We’ve been looking for the right spot in Chester for years, and the Greyhound Retail Park ticks all the boxes, giving people from North Wales, Cheshire, and the surrounding areas easier access to an IKEA store.”
The Chester location will offer up to 5,000 products, with 3,000 available for immediate purchase, giving shoppers plenty of options from day one. For those who prefer to shop online, the full range will also be available digitally, providing more flexibility for customers.
Local MP Samantha Dixon expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s fantastic news that IKEA is opening a store in Chester. It shows the city’s growing appeal and will bring new jobs, investment, and opportunities to the local economy. I’m really looking forward to popping in for a plate of meatballs and seeing the positive impact this will have on our community.”
This new store is just the beginning, with IKEA planning to open two more outlets in 2025 in Harlow and Norwich, following the same model. But for Welsh shoppers, the Chester store is the one to watch, offering a more convenient and exciting shopping experience right on their doorstep.
The grand opening date is yet to be announced, but there’s no doubt that this new store will make life a little easier for many across Wales.
