IKEA has announced that a highly anticipated new store in a bustling city centre location is about to open in the UK. is famous for its huge out-of-town showrooms in places like Milton Keynes and Croydon - but in 2021 announced it was in London's Oxford Street in a landmark £378million deal.

After a long wait, IKEA has now confirmed will finally open to customers on Thursday, May 1. It means IKEA's cheaply priced flat-pack furniture will now be available in one of the busiest shopping streets in the UK and Europe in a 5,800sq m store spanning three floors of the seven-storey building. In addition to a showroom designed to inspire buyers and a market hall with home furnishings and accessories, there will also be a self-service area and a 130-seat Swedish deli.

Peter Jelkeby, chief executive and chief sustainability officer of IKEA UK, said: "We have worked carefully to ensure we maintain the character of this historic building whilst creating a modern retail environment for customers to explore and be inspired.

"London is an iconic shopping destination, and we are thrilled to now have a home in its centre.

"IKEA Oxford Street's location complements our network of stores in - and beyond - and allows us to be closer to where our customers live, work and shop, while importantly being easily accessible by foot or public transport."

IKEA has spent three years carrying out what it described as a "meticulous" renovation of the Grade II Listed Oxford Street site to transform its use and improve the building's energy efficiency while preserving its cherished heritage features.

The store will open from 10am until 8pm each day.

Last year, IKEA announced it would be for customers across the UK.

Tesco has teamed up with the furniture giant to provide more pick-up points for customers who want to save on delivery costs.