Ikea's UK boss supports pedestrianizing London’s Oxford Street as new store launches

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Ikea’s top UK executive voiced support for plans to pedestrianize Oxford Street, as the Swedish furniture giant prepares to open its long-awaited store on London’s iconic shopping strip.

“The idea of pedestrianization, that is going to help shoppers move around here,” Peter Jelkeby told Bloomberg on Wednesday.

“You’re going to get a different pace. When a high street works well, you can slow down, you get space, you hopefully get an environment you actually want to be in – it’s safe.”

His comments echo those of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who called the store opening “a huge vote of confidence in London, in our economy and in our plans to rejuvenate Oxford Street.”

Khan added that the city’s “bold proposals” to pedestrianize the area are under public consultation until Friday, urging residents and visitors alike to “have their say."

The arrival of Ikea is seen by many as a key moment in the post-pandemic revival of Oxford Street, which suffered a drop in foot traffic and a wave of vacancies, leading to a rise in short-term tenants such as American candy stores.

The new three-story Ikea store opens Thursday – 18 months later than originally planned.