Ikea set to open first Sussex store in Brighton.
Ikea is set to open its new store in Brighton, creating more than 150 jobs. The new branch, its first in Sussex, will open on Thursday, replacing a former Debenhams unit and featuring approximately 6,700 sq m of retail space spread across two floors.
Churchill Square manager Mark Buchanan-Smith said he was “super excited” and thought it was “brilliant” to have Ikea as its “main anchor”. However, one local shopkeeper has expressed her concern about the arrival of the Swedish retail giant.
Martha Tiffin, co-owner and manager of the nearby independent houseware shop Utility, stated, “Obviously, we cannot compete on price [but] if we can survive this, we can survive anything.”
In November 2023, Ikea’s parent company, Ingka, acquired the Churchill Square shopping centre for an estimated £145 million.
The new store is smaller than many Ikea locations, so some furniture items will be delivered or available for click and collect.
Previous plans for a full-size shop in Lancing were cancelled in 2021, citing changing customer habits.
Mr Buchanan-Smith stated that those wishing to visit Ikea had previously had to travel to Southampton or East Croydon.
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