Customers flocked to the city centre today to get a taste of the long-awaited Ikea store.
Yesterday, April 17, Ikea announced it was bringing a pop-up shop to Churchill Square shopping centre in Brighton ahead of its grand opening this summer.
The shop will remain next to Mango in the west mall until late July and offers a taster of Ikea’s staple products.
First in the queue at 8am today, April 18, were Jennifer, Melissa and Bob, all from Brighton and Hove.
The trio met for the first time at the store’s opening.
Jennifer, who cut the ribbon, said: “We love it. Absolutely love it."
"I think it'll change things in town.
"It will increase footfall.
"It could be good for Brighton."
Anne Hilton, from Brighton, took a trip down to Churchill Square this morning specifically for the opening of the pop-up shop.
Anne said: "It's good, it's not bad.
"I got myself some biscuits and I have a yellow kitchen so I got yellow paper napkins.
"We want new shops here."
Samantha Bennett, from Brighton, saw the store was opening online last night and headed down this morning.
Samantha, 59, said: “I loved it as a taster.
“The fact that you can click and collect is great.
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“I can’t wait for the big one.
“It’s great for household things.”
Ruby Kirby, 20, and Anne Kirby, 51, from Southwick, enjoyed their trip to the pop-up although they missed the meatballs.
Anne said: "I think it's brilliant.
"We love Ikea.
"Just the fact you can get bags to put your sandwiches in, it's great.
"We don't have many places to buy homeware.
"It's affordable and the staff are friendly. I loved that they’re wearing hats.
“I think it’s really needed.”
Ruby said: "I have a feeling I'm going to spend a lot of money when it comes."
The unit offers complimentary, personalised design support, as well as a range of 150 home furnishing accessories to buy.
The pop-up shop also has a click and collect service, allowing customers to pick up parcel orders at a convenient time for them.
In anticipation of the permanent store’s opening later this summer, next week Ikea is also launching a recruitment campaign to fill 120 new job roles.
The home furnishing retailer is seeking passionate individuals to join its team in various roles from sales to interior design, merchandising and furniture building.
Interested candidates can find out more information and apply through the IKEA careers page.
Ikea’s parent company The Ingka Group bought Churchill Square Shopping Centre in 2023 and the store will open in the shopping centre's former Debenhams unit on the upper two levels.
Jakob Bertilsson, area manager, Ikea UK and Ireland said: “We are thrilled to introduce a taste of Swedish design and functional home solutions to Brighton ahead of our permanent store opening later this summer.
“Our pop-up shop is the perfect spot for customers looking to craft their dream kitchen or storage needs and is an opportunity for us to engage with the local community and showcase our range of affordable home furnishing products.
"Whether you’re coming to meet Ikea for the first time, or popping in for storage inspiration, we look forward to welcoming visitors and becoming part of Brighton’s vibrant retail scene.”
Ikea’s temporary Brighton pop-up shop will be open Monday to Wednesday 10am to 6pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm, from April 18.
The opening date for the permanent IKEA Brighton store will be announced in due course.
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