IKEA has announced an expansion of its car boot sale events, following a successful pilot last year. The events are scheduled for the 18th and 19th of May at its Cardiff and Exeter stores, and on the 19th of May at the Milton Keynes store. These events provide customers the opportunity to sell and purchase pre-loved homeware bargains, not limited to IKEA products, in an effort to extend the lifecycle of household goods.
The initiative is designed to give unwanted home furnishings, decorations, and more a new lease of life, responding to the increasing consumer demand for more sustainable and economically accessible shopping options. This approach aligns with growing environmental awareness and the shifting attitudes towards ownership and consumption among consumers.
Last year’s events, held in the car parks of the Cardiff and Milton Keynes stores, attracted significant attention, highlighting a strong public interest in alternative shopping formats that support the acquisition of quality, pre-loved items at lower costs.
Michaela Quinlan, Chief Commercial Officer at IKEA UK and Ireland, highlighted the positive reception of the pilot events and the decision to expand: “We know that the way people shop is changing. The cost-of-living crisis and an increasing awareness of environmental issues is reshaping how customers value possessions. Having seen the success of last year’s pilot, we’re happy to now be rolling out car boots across more of our stores. Giving people more opportunities to live and shop sustainably continues to be a focus for us at IKEA and we look forward to welcoming more people, so they can grab a bargain while ensuring quality pre-loved homeware has a chance at finding a new home.”
In addition to the car boot sales, IKEA customers across the UK can engage with other sustainable initiatives within their local stores. These include the BuyBack & Resell service, where customers can return their unwanted IKEA items in exchange for store credit in the form of an IKEA gift card. There is also the Reshop & Reuse service, offering discontinued, ex-display, and pre-loved items at a reduced price, further promoting the retailer’s commitment to sustainability.
