IKEA to close Coventry store
IKEA has announced plans to close its Coventry store this summer.
Built in 2007 in the centre of the city, the store was one of the retailer’s earliest examples of testing a new format to meet customer needs.
IKEA said the fact that the store was built with seven floors meant there had been a “significant impact” on both operating costs and the customer experience. In addition, shopper numbers at the store have been lower than expected which IKEA said was due to customers in the area preferring to shop in retail parks and online. As a result, the store has been making consistent losses.
Peter Jelkeby, country retail manager and chief sustainability officer, IKEA UK and Ireland said: “The proposed closure of the store has not been an easy decision, particularly given the impact it will have on our co-workers. I would like to thank our Coventry co-workers who have contributed enormously throughout this time.
“Although this isn’t an easy decision, this is the right decision for the long-term success of IKEA in the UK. At IKEA, we are constantly challenging ourselves to find ways to meet the needs of our customers and we will continue to try and test, investing in stores, fulfilment centres, city centre formats and our digital capabilities to make IKEA even more affordable, convenient and sustainable.”
IKEA is now entering a period of consultation with the 352 staff members affected by the proposed closure. The retailer said it hopes to retain as many workers as possible in other areas within IKEA.
