Ikea claims former Debenhams unit on Brighton highstreet

Ikea is set to take over an old Debenhams establishment in Brighton’s city centre, as it continues to head to high streets across Britain.

The retailer is looking to move away from its big warehouse stores into smaller sites and now it has revealed plans for its latest shop in Churchill Square in Brighton, according to The Sun.

The new two-storey Ikea will be the homeware retailer's 23rd store in the UK. The unit had remained empty since Debenhams collapsed into administration in 2021, resulting in the closure of all of its stores.

Peter Jelkeby, Chief Executive and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ikea UK, commented: "We’re delighted to continue expanding and investing throughout the UK to make it easier and more sustainable for people to shop at Ikea.

"Sussex has long been an area of interest to us, and we look forward to bringing Ikea closer to where our customers live, work and socialise and becoming a part of this vibrant community.”

Ikea is yet to confirm the date that the store will open.

This follows the news that Ikea is set to open its doors on Oxford Street in Topshop's former space. Ingka Investment, the investment arm of the retail group, bought the Grade II listed building at 214 Oxford Street after Topshop owner Arcadia fell into administration. The renovation project at the site is creating a new 82,000 sq ft store covering three floors, along with four floors of office space.

Both stores will offer an extensive range of the brand's products, with 6,000 items on display. There will also be in-store planning services to support customers' planning of their new kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Of course, Ikea will also be offering its Swedish Deli in both stores serving the retailer’s iconic meatballs