Thousands of London, Ontario residents welcomed the first compact IKEA store in Canada

The new store concept, designed for quick visits and everyday essentials, is now open in White Oaks Mall

BURLINGTON, ON, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- IKEA Canada marked the opening of its first compact store with a highly-anticipated grand opening today as co-workers welcomed thousands of customers into its brand-new 43,000 square foot retail experience.

IKEA London White Oaks

Thousands of London, Ontario residents welcomed the first compact IKEA store in Canada. The new store concept, designed for quick visits and everyday essentials, is now open in White Oaks Mall.

London, Ontario Mayor Josh Morgan

Selwyn Crittendon, IKEA Canada CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer

Daisy Clarke, Market Manager, IKEA Canada

From left to right: Tarik Kasem, General Manager – White Oaks Mall; Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada; MP Kurt Holman; Councillor Elizabeth Peloza; Danny Santana, Deputy Market Manager, IKEA Canada; Sarah Terwin, IKEA London White Oaks CMP Manager; Daisy Clarke, Market Manager, IKEA Canada; Iyman Meddoui, President, Westdell Development; Mayor Josh Morgan; MPP Teresa Armstrong; Nandini Syed, Vice-President, Corporate Services and Infrastructure, Fanshawe Colleg

Thousands of London, Ontario residents welcomed the first compact IKEA store in Canada. The new store concept, designed for quick visits and everyday essentials, is now open in White Oaks Mall.

"With the opening of IKEA London White Oaks – the first compact store in Canada – we're thrilled to introduce an exciting new way to shop with us," said Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Canada. "By combining inspiration, home essentials, and services in a compact format, we're getting closer to more of the many Canadians with everyday convenience and a quicker shopping experience."

The customer line began at 7:00 AM with contests, giveaways, musical entertainment, and treats from the Swedish Bite. An opening ceremony included a land acknowledgement, remarks from IKEA Canada CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Selwyn Crittendon; London Mayor Josh Morgan; IKEA Burlington Market Manager, Daisy Clarke; Ward 12 Councillor Elizabeth Peloza; Member of Provincial Parliament Teresa Armstrong; and Member of Parliament Kurt Holman. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place before the store officially opened for business and welcomed its first customers at 10:00 AM.

"All of us at IKEA Canada appreciate the energy, support, and warm welcome shown by the London community today," said Daisy Clarke, Market Manager at IKEA Burlington. "We look forward to continuing to serve the many Londoners with our home furnishing expertise, omnichannel offering, and commitment to creating a positive impact in the community."

The renowned furniture retailer believes it is their responsibility to contribute positively to the communities in which they operate and regularly supports local community organizations with home furnishing expertise and product range connected to a better everyday life.

IKEA London White Oaks is proud to announce a $2,500 donation of IKEA products and solutions to support Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU). Since 1982, YOU has been helping to lead youth in the London area toward success through access to basic needs and housing; physical, mental, or dental health care; and education and employment resources.

Located at White Oaks Mall (1105 Wellington Road), the new London location offers:

• A compact layout of approximately 43,000 square feet (about one-fifth the size of IKEA Burlington) with more than 2,500 everyday essentials or seasonal favourites;
• Inspiring room sets and smart solutions for a better, more sustainable life at home;
• A selection of about 400 furniture items available for immediate purchase and takeaway from the Self-serve warehouse;
• The ability to order the full IKEA product offering with flexible delivery and collection options; and
• A selection of IKEA food for a taste of Swedishness (yes, including meatballs).

The new compact store concept complements other IKEA store formats and digital channels, strengthening the omnichannel experience and giving customers more ways to meet IKEA. The existing Plan and order point, located at 3120 Wonderland Rd. South, will continue to serve customers looking to book appointments with IKEA experts to plan, design, and purchase complex home furnishing solutions such as kitchens or complete wardrobe systems. The Pick-up location at 1095 Wilton Grove Rd. will also continue to operate, providing customers with a convenient place to collect orders placed through one of many IKEA shopping channels.

The store is offering IKEA Family members a chance to win 1 of 3 $500 IKEA gift cards. Customers can sign in to their IKEA Family account to enter. Contest closes on October 6, 2026.

Store hours at IKEA London White Oaks are:

• Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

For more information about the store, visit www.ikea.ca/londonwhiteoaks.

ABOUT IKEA CANADA

Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 574 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 16 stores and 13 Plan and order points in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 33.3 million visitors to its stores and 199.9 million visitors to IKEA.ca. IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit IKEA.ca.

SOURCE IKEA Canada Limited Partnership

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Alicia Carroll, Public Relations Leader, IKEA Canada, [email protected]