IKEA to open new Aberdeen store months after closure announcement of city's only branch

In October, the Swedish retailer announced they were closing their Altens store while they searched for a location closer into the city centre.

At the time, shoppers in Aberdeen braced for a 262-mile round trip to the next nearest IKEA which is in Edinburgh.

However, they have now been saved as the retail giant has announced it will open a new Plan and Order Point in the city's Union Square shopping centre within the former Decathlon unit.

The store is set to open in spring next year.

Kevin Coventry, market manager at IKEA, said: “Our new Plan and Order Point format is designed to better meet the needs of our customers in Aberdeen, offering free consultations with our planning specialists to help design their dream spaces, as well as the order, collection and return services that are available in all our stores.”

Like the old store, it will feature bespoke planning services for areas of the home including kitchen, bedroom and storage.

Customers will also be able to receive expert knowledge from the IKEA team.

The Plan and Order Point will also offer a collection area for online orders, with customers able to return Ikea purchases to the store. In addition to planning services, customers can browse and purchase from a range of around 250 home furnishing accessories, which can be bought there and then.

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IKEA’s Altens site remains open until further notice.

Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, said: “I met with the senior team at Ikea just recently.

“I’m really pleased that they’re choosing to open a new store right in our city centre. It’s a big boost and I’m sure shoppers will be looking forward to it opening.”