IKEA has received 3,730 job applications in just six days for its highly anticipated Oxford Street store, marking the largest-ever response to a recruitment drive by the retailer in the UK. With only 150 positions available, demand has significantly exceeded expectations, leading IKEA to close the application process early.
Strong interest in new central London roles
The new Oxford Street store is expected to be one of IKEA’s most innovative locations, blending traditional retail with new digital solutions and sustainable practices. The roles on offer include multi-skilled positions across different departments, providing employees with varied responsibilities and opportunities to develop their skills.
Matt Gould, market manager for IKEA London City, commented on the record-breaking response, stating, “This extraordinary response demonstrates the incredible appeal of joining the IKEA co-worker family. We’re delighted to see such enthusiasm for our most innovative store yet, and we look forward to building a diverse team that will help shape the future of urban retail in London.”
Real Living Wage and employee benefits
IKEA has positioned itself as an employer of choice by offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. The company provides the independently set Real Living Wage of £13.85 per hour, alongside benefits such as flexible working arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and a free healthy meal option available daily.
Other key benefits include:
- Career growth opportunities with the ability to move into different roles locally or globally
- Life assurance benefit set at four times the annual salary
- Interest-free loans available post-probation
- A virtual GP service and access to wellbeing resources covering mental and physical health
- TACK, a Swedish-inspired savings scheme that contributes to retirement savings after five years of service
Oxford Street store set to open in 2025
The new IKEA Oxford Street store will showcase 6,000 products, including a showroom and Market Hall filled with home accessories. Dedicated planning services for kitchens, wardrobes, and bathrooms will be available, alongside a Swedish Deli serving IKEA’s signature plant and meatballs.
Westminster City Council has welcomed the investment, with Cllr Geoff Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development, commenting, “A recovering Oxford Street is bringing not only top names but good quality jobs to the West End. It is great to see IKEA creating 150 quality jobs and as brands occupy space on Oxford Street, more opportunities will be created. Westminster Employment Service is helping recruit local people to the jobs – part of our pledge to ensure that everyone in Westminster benefits from the economic powerhouse of the West End.”
Next steps for new recruits
Face-to-face recruitment centres will be held in early February, with successful applicants starting their roles in March. New employees will complete an eight-week onboarding programme at IKEA Hammersmith before the Oxford Street store officially opens.
For more information about careers at IKEA, visit IKEA Careers.
