IKEA makes announcement following calls for it to come to Sussex

On Wednesday, February 8, Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell said on social media that she had invited the chain to ‘scout’ the town.

IKEA has since confirmed it not considering Eastbourne as a location at this time.

A store spokesperson added: “We’re in a fast-changing retail environment and we want to make sure we continue to be affordable and convenient.

"Our ambitious growth plans mean we are focusing on all parts of creating a great customer experience, whenever and wherever people need us. This includes investing in our online offer and customer services, rebuilding and adapting existing IKEA stores, and evaluating different locations as part of a new city centre approach.​

“As such, we’re already accessible to our customers in Eastbourne via [the] shop online, where parcel delivery starts at £4. It’s our ambition to continue to improve accessibly across the country as we invest and grow in the years ahead. However, for the moment, we’re not considering Eastbourne as a location at this current time, but who knows what the future holds, we always want to bring IKEA even closer to more people.”

Residents had been speculating where an IKEA could be set up in the town.

The IKEA spokesperson added: “We’d like to thank Caroline Ansell MP for the warm invitation to visit Eastbourne and for the interest in having an IKEA meeting point within her constituency. It was great speaking to her and to learn about the opportunities within the town.”

In response to the invite to ‘scout’ the town Eastbourne Borough Council said: "We already have many international companies in Eastbourne and we do all we can to encourage other businesses to invest in the town. Whether in the office or the home, there isn’t anywhere better on the south coast.”

IKEA is yet to open a branch in Sussex. The county’s closest stores are in Southampton and Croydon.

The chain pulled out of plans to build a store in Lancing back in July 2021.

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