IKEA UK breaks records as over 3,730 job seekers apply for Oxford Street store

IKEA is creating 150 jobs to steward its most innovative city store to date, opening Spring 2025

In an overwhelming response, IKEA has received 3,730 applications in just six days for its highly anticipated Oxford Street store. The exceptional interest in the 150 available positions marks the largest-ever response the home furnishing retailer has seen in the UK, shattering all previous recruitment records.

Building on its reputation as an employer of choice, IKEA has consistently invested in its co-worker offering, providing the independently set Real Living Wage of £13.85 per hour alongside comprehensive benefits including flexible work arrangements, enhanced parental leave, and a free healthy meal option served every day.

Successful applicants will be offered multi-skilled roles, working across different departments, where no two days are the same. They will work in IKEA’s most innovative store yet, combining traditional retail expertise with new digital solutions and sustainable practices.

Matt Gould, Market Manager for IKEA London City, said: “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.”

Due to the exceptional level of interest and a record number of applications received, IKEA has now closed its application process and will move into the assessment phase. As a values-based employer, IKEA looks to recruit based on its culture and values, not just previous experience. The new co-workers will join an environment of entrepreneurship and togetherness, with IKEA looking for innovative and creative problem-solvers who want to create positive change for both people and the planet.

The landmark opening will create a unique shopping experience tailored to the needs of Londoners, with 6,000 IKEA products showcased and dedicated spaces for expert advice and inspiration. As a city store, IKEA Oxford Street will offer the IKEA experience the UK knows and loves, with a Showroom, Market Hall filled with home furnishing accessories for the many, and a Swedish Deli serving iconic dishes like IKEA plant and meatballs. In addition, the store will offer free planning services for kitchens, wardrobes and bathrooms.

Matt ended: “We’re looking for people from all walks of life to join our new Oxford Street team to help us achieve our mission of creating a better everyday life for the many. Our roles promise to offer variety, from replenishing the store to helping urban dwellers understand their home needs and wants. All co-workers will be given opportunities to learn valuable work and life skills in our first central London store.”

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, added: “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.”

Benefits of working at IKEA 

IKEA is proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, offering all co-workers a starting salary of £13.85 per hour by 1^st May 2025. Key benefits include:

• Flexible Work Arrangements

• Career Growth – IKEA co-workers have the autonomy to choose their next role at their own pace, in any part of the business, either locally or globally

• Enhanced Parental Leave

• Free healthy meal option, salad bar, fruit, and hot/cold drinks

• Life Assurance Benefit increased to four times annual salary

• Interest-free loan available for any reason post-probation

• Virtual GP Service and Wellbeing Centre with mental, physical health and nutrition resources

• TACK – Swedish for “Thank you” is a program that contributes to retirement savings after 5 years of service, in addition to enhanced employer pension contributions

Face-to-face recruitment centres will be held at the beginning of February, with successful applicants starting their roles in early March. New co-workers will complete an eight-week onboarding programme based at IKEA Hammersmith before the Oxford Street store’s grand opening.