Ikea is preparing to unveil its latest store in Brighton, creating over 150 new jobs for the city. The new establishment, the first of its kind in Sussex, will open today, taking over a former Debenhams unit and featuring approximately 6,700 square meters of retail space spread over two floors.

Mark Buchanan-Smith, the manager of Churchill Square, expressed great enthusiasm about having Ikea as the main anchor tenant. However, some local businesses, like Martha Tiffin who co-owns Utility, an independent houseware shop nearby, have raised concerns about competing with the retail giant on pricing.

The challenges faced by small retailers in the face of online shopping trends, higher rental costs, and increased expenses for wages and energy were highlighted in a report by the Mirror. Ikea’s parent company, Ingka, acquired the Churchill Square shopping center for an estimated £145m in November 2023, with the new Ikea store being smaller than typical Ikea outlets, prompting the need for delivery or click-and-collect services for certain furniture items.

The decision to open the Brighton store follows the cancellation of a plan for a larger location in Lancing in 2021 due to shifting customer behaviors. Residents in Brighton previously had to travel to Southampton or East Croydon for their Ikea needs, making the new store a convenient addition for the local community.

Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, praised the new store’s opening as a positive step for the city, bringing in fresh job opportunities and investments. Despite concerns from some local businesses, such as George Diplocks of Diplock’s Yard, who noted that cafes and restaurants were drawing foot traffic away from traditional shopping areas, Ikea Manager Karina Gilpin highlighted the store’s offerings of home essentials and Swedish cuisine as a valuable addition to the community.