IKEA has taken another major step as it prepares for the opening of its first New Zealand store late next year.
This morning, the furniture giant announced it has officially opened an external warehouse near Auckland Airport.
The 20,000 square metre building at The Landing Business Park in Māngere is expected to start receiving shipments of IKEA products in May next year, before the company’s first store in Sylvia Park opens “by late 2025”. The warehouse was designed and built by Auckland Airport, IKEA said.
“From the day IKEA opens, the IKEA range will be available for delivery to homes across New Zealand,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“Multiple full 40ft shipping containers are expected to be transported daily from the warehouse to the IKEA Sylvia Park store to ensure products are always readily available.”
Adrian Pidgeon, fulfilment manager for IKEA’s “New Zealand Project”, said the warehouse opening was a “pivotal milestone”.
“With the building now complete, many parts of the business are working together to ensure a great IKEA customer experience for New Zealanders supported by readily available products, no matter where they are located or how they choose to shop.”
Auckland Airport’s head of property development Daniel Byrne welcomed the Sweden-founded company to the area.
“IKEA have been a fantastic partner, and we look forward to continuing to support their operation as they establish in New Zealand,” he said.
