The Kiwi iteration of IKEA’s app has gone live — featuring prices for many of the thousands of items available for purchase from tomorrow.
The 34,000m2 store in Auckland’s Sylvia Park will open to customers on Thursday, selling around 7500 products from flatpack furniture sets to smaller, everyday household necessities.
Its opening was expected to cause widespread traffic delays and “mayhem” around the already-busy shopping area.
IKEA’s loyalty programme had previously been rolled out nationwide, offering members exclusive discounts and early updates ahead of opening day.
First look inside finished Auckland IKEA, food on offer – Watch on TVNZ+
In August, the company offered a first glimpse at some of the most popular products that would be on offer at the new store.
The products were selected after IKEA commissioned a Life at Home Report New Zealand, which delved into what Kiwis want to see on its shelves.
Today, the app showed prices for most of these items, including some of the best-sellers across the ditch.
Here’s a look at some of the price comparisons for top-rated items:
BILLY bookcase – NZ$149
According to IKEA’s newly-released app, the best-seller Billy Bookcase 80x28x202cm size is retailing for $149, compared to AU$129 (NZ$147).
The New Zealand operation is run by Ingka Group, which represents about 90% of IKEA stores.
IKEA retail franchisee Ingka Group estimates that more than 140 million units of the BILLY bookcase have been sold worldwide since its introduction in 1979.
IKEA PS LÖMSK swivel armchair – NZ$219
The IKEA PS LÖMSK Swivel armchair is sold in Australia for $179 (NZ$205), which is slightly cheaper than what you’ll pay in New Zealand’s store at $219.
Malm bed frame – NZ$399
In Australia, the Queen-size high Malm bed frame would set you back $349, which converted to NZD is the exact same price of $399.
The frame is also available in a more expensive option which includes two storage boxes built in beneath it for NZ$499.
The New York Times included the frame in its review of the best platform bed frames for under $600 this year, saying it was popular as it came in several colours and had a “streamlined, neutral look that fits in lots of homes”.
“Several people on staff own (or have owned) this frame and say that it’s an excellent option for the price,” the author said.
Kallax shelving unit – NZ$99
The Kallax shelving unit costs A$89 for Australians, which is equivalent to NZ$101.
That price is for the 77x147cm size, but the unit is also available as small at 42x147cm and as large at 182x182cm.
Mackapär shoe rack – NZ$39.99
In Australia, the Mackapär shoe rack costs A$29 (NZ$33.20), which is slightly less than what you’ll pay in New Zealand.
KLIPPAN two-seat sofa – NZ$399
The Klippan two-seater sofa, available in six colours for Australia and and only three colours for Kiwis, is selling for $399 in New Zealand.
This is slightly more than Australia’s retail price of A$329 (NZ$376).
Competitor urges customers to ‘shop local’
Previously, The Warehouse Group chief executive Mark Stirton had said “fierce global players like IKEA will make us better, move faster, and learn more”.
However, an ad campaign Warehouse Stationery launched across Meta in November urged people to “shop local”.
The retailer’s message was simple: “No meatballs. Everything else. We’ve got you covered.”
The ad appeared to poke fun at the Swedish retail giant’s famous meatballs served in store restaurants around the world.
Stirton said today he expected “new retailers entering the market to grow the sector, bring fresh consumer interest, and increase foot traffic to Sylvia Park”.
