Ikea has opened its first store in New Zealand, drawing crowds of eager customers who lined up hours before the launch at Sylvia Park shopping center in Auckland.
Some arrived as early as 4:30 a.m., waving Swedish flags and counting down before rushing inside to explore Scandinavian design and sample the company’s signature meatballs.
The opening marks several milestones for the Swedish furniture giant. Auckland is Ikea’s 505th location worldwide and the farthest from Sweden.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who cut the ribbon at the ceremony, welcomed the new jobs and affordable furniture, saying the launch had “been a long time coming.”
Ikea first announced plans to expand into New Zealand in 2019.
The Auckland store is the company’s first entry into a new market since 2021.