IKEA registers interest in BHS stores

From a number of sources it is understood that IKEA has registered an interest with the administrator to take on a number of BHS stores if a buyer for the whole chain cannot be found.

The IKEA business currently operates out of 18 large, out of town locations in the UK, plus a new order and collection point in Norwich, with others due to open in Birmingham and the Westfield Stratford Centre later this year. The latter will be the first IKEA outlet within an existing shopping centre, which we understand will operate primarily as a planning studio for kitchen, wardrobe and sofa purchases.

Prior to the collapse of BHS, it was believed that IKEA was in talks to sub-let part of the BHS store on Oxford Street, but no agreement was reached.

“I can confirm that we have not and will not be bidding to buy the BHS business out of administration," said Daniel Lundholm, a spokesperson for IKEA UK and Ireland. "However, we are exploring a number of potential locations across the UK for more order and collection points.”

Source: Insight DIY Team