Exeter's new Ikea store opens to the public

The store has created 370 jobs, with over 85% of co-workers recruited from the Exeter and Devon area

Home furnishings retailer IKEA today opens the doors of its much-anticipated store on Newcourt Way, Exeter.

 Loyal fans queued to be the first through the doors and experience the brand’s famous Swedish hospitality. Celebrations began on opening day morning with a range of tasty IKEA treats for guests to enjoy, as well as entertainment from a magician and a brass band.

Nick Earle, IKEA Exeter Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to be opening our doors to the city of Exeter and the wider region today. Myself and my team of talented co-workers are looking forward to welcoming the people of the South West to IKEA. We want our customers to enjoy a fun day out and discover inspirational solutions to make their lives at home that bit more wonderful.

“We’re proud to be part of such a fantastic community and are excited to play an active role in the area by building long-lasting relationships with local partners and charities.”

The 29,000 sqm store brings IKEA’s extensive range of high quality, affordable products to Exeter and the South West. The store features IKEA’s popular range of inspirational room sets along with a crèche, restaurant, bistro, a Changing Places toilet facility¹ and car park with over 1,000 free spaces.

IKEA Exeter also includes some new and exclusive features, including the retailer’s first greenhouse in the UK, a spacious glass area showcasing outdoor living.

Prior to the store opening, IKEA’s Life at Home specialists conducted a number of home visits in Exeter and the surrounding area to learn more about how people in the region live. These insights have been brought to life in the new store’s roomsets, such as outdoor living and the strong holiday-let business in the coastal area.

Councillor Peter Edwards, Leader of Exeter County Council, commented: “IKEA’s investment in the Exeter and Devon area is a great boost to the region and a huge milestone for the South West. The arrival of such an iconic global brand has not only created hundreds of jobs for local people, but it’s also an asset in making Exeter a destination for those in the surrounding area. The excitement seen today shows how much locals have anticipated IKEA’s arrival and we can already see how the new store is becoming a central part of the local community.”

The latest opening hours, offers and events at the IKEA Exeter store can be found here: http://www.IKEA.co.uk/Exete