Ikea speaks out on future of Birstall store - after announcing first closure of a big UK outlet

In what will be the chain’s first closure of a big UK branch, the shop in the West Midlands will cease trading this summer.

The Coventry store, one of 22 Ikea stores in the UK, has made “consistent losses” since it opened in 2007 after attracting fewer visitors than expected.

The store was built over seven levels, which resulted in a significant impact on the operating costs of the business and the shopping experience for customers.

The Ikea in Birstall, which is West Yorkshire's only branch, was opened in the more traditional location of a sprawling retail park, rather than Leeds city centre.

Bosses have confirmed there are 'no plans' to close the Birstall branch.

An Ikea spokesman said: “Today, we have no plans for further store closures. The UK remains a key market and as such we have ambitious growth plans and will continue to invest in stores, fulfilment centres, city centre formats and our digital capabilities to make IKEA even more affordable, convenient and sustainable.

“We also continue to invest in and test new physical touchpoints to learn about and adapt to ever-changing customer needs which we constantly review if they are fit for purpose.

“The reality for Ikea Coventry is that we now know that this was the wrong type of unit for the location as it is neither a high street store nor a more traditional Ikea store.”

-> Leeds fashion brand announces permanent closure launching huge sale