Over 480 jobs created as IKEA officially opens brand new Sheffield store

Furniture retail giant IKEA has officially opened a brand new 35,000 sq.m store in Sheffield.

The new store, located on the old Tinsley Wire site near Meadowhall, has created over 480 jobs in a wide range of roles including customer relations, contact centre, sales, interior design and in the IKEA restaurant.

Over 90% of the new employees have been recruited from the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area.

IKEA Sheffield includes inspirational room sets, a crèche, restaurant, bistro and car park with around 1,000 free spaces.

The retailer celebrated the new opening with a ceremony hosted by Gillian Drakeford, IKEA UK and Ireland Country Manager, alongside Garry Deakin, IKEA Sheffield Store Manager, The Swedish Ambassador His Excellency Mr Torbjörn Sohlström, Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Anne Murphy and the leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Julie Dore.

Garry Deakin, IKEA Sheffield store manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be opening our doors to the city of Sheffield today as we know that people in Sheffield have long been anticipating our arrival.

“Both myself and my talented team are looking forward to welcoming the people of South Yorkshire to the store, where they will be able to discover our unique shopping experience and inspirational home furnishings expertise.

“We’re proud to be joining such a wonderful community and look forward to continuing to work with our local charity partners.”

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “Any investment in Sheffield is welcome but this IKEA development is something special. IKEA is an iconic global brand that sits well in Sheffield.

’They are creating hundreds of jobs which will provide local people with real employment prospects and the opportunity to progress. The opening is a great day but the benefits of the new IKEA store will be felt for years to come.“

IKEA Sheffield is the retailer’s most sustainable store to date and has achieved a BREEAM ‘excellent’ accreditation.

The design incorporates a number of sustainable technologies including photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting as part of the store’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2020. The store is also equipped with electric vehicle charging points on site providing renewably generated power for EV vehicles.

Gillian Drakeford, IKEA UK and Ireland Country Manager, commented: “This is an important milestone for us, with IKEA Sheffield being our 20th store in the UK. The opening of IKEA Sheffield marks the continuation of a significant period of growth for our business.

“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary in the UK next month, we remain committed to building a strong and trusted brand whilst continuing to bring IKEA closer to the many people. In addition to IKEA Sheffield, we will be opening two new stores in Exeter and Greenwich before the end of 2018.”