IKEA has today, Thursday 24^th July 2025, opened its store in Harlow Retail Park, marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Chris Vince, Member of Parliament for Harlow, and Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, as well as the store’s 40-strong team of co-workers. The doors were then opened for the first customers to experience this brand-new format, with a compact layout that is easy to navigate and designed for everyday convenience.

IKEA Harlow marks the first of three new-format stores set to open this year, with two more planned to open in Norwich and Chester in the coming months.

The new retail park locations are designed to offer a simpler, faster shopping experience for customers, where they can explore inspiring roomsets, shop second-hand finds, and take home a wide range of furnishings and small furniture the same day. The store features a curated showroom, seasonal collections, and access to IKEA’s 12,000 strong product range, which can be delivered directly to their home or collected from the store with free next-day collection. 

Along with the option to buy pre-loved items for store credit, planning services for kitchens and bedroom storage are also available, with a team of dedicated co-workers on hand to assist customers in planning their dream spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of Swedish food to eat in or take away.

In the store, customers can shop and browse from the latest collections and iconic essentials including: 

• METOD kitchens and PAX wardrobes
• IVRIG glasses (£1.25)
• DRÖNA storage boxes (£3)
• RÖDALM picture frames (£7)
• Swedish meatballs and hot dogs

Jakob Bertilsson, IKEA Area Manager, said: “We’re really happy to open our doors in Harlow, bringing Swedish design, inspiration, and convenient home shopping even closer to more people. Our small store offers the perfect opportunity for customers to enjoy everything they love about IKEA’s unique retail experience.

This new location also makes it much easier for those who live further from our stores in London, Lakeside and Milton Keynes, giving people access to the IKEA experience without the long journey. Whether you’re just browsing or looking for a quick bite to eat, we can’t wait to meet you.”

Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said: “The opening of IKEA’s new store in Harlow is a real vote of confidence in the town. It brings valuable jobs, new services, and greater access to sustainable home solutions – an investment that will benefit both the local economy and community.”

IKEA Harlow forms part of IKEA’s wider UK expansion plan. In addition to the small stores opening in Norwich and Chester, two Plan and Order Points in Dundee and York and a new city store in Brighton will open in 2025. 

IKEA Harlow is open Monday to Saturday 10am – 8pm and Sundays 10:30am – 4:30pm.