Ikea Opens Its First Store in New Zealand Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
Ikea opened its first store in New Zealand on 4 December 2025 in Auckland. Hundreds of shoppers queued before the 11am opening, with overnight camping banned and drivers urged to plan their journeys accordingly. The store had been announced in 2018 with involvement by then foreign minister Winston Peters.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the ceremony and cut the ribbon but did not become the first customer. The launch also includes a full online shopping platform and 29 collection points nationwide, ranging from Kaitaia to Invercargill.
Ikea is promoting competitive pricing, advertising items such as the Billy bookcase at NZ$99. The opening occurs amid a cost-of-living crisis in New Zealand, with Black Friday spending down 4-6% year on year. Staff in yellow shirts and shoppers celebrated the event enthusiastically, including chants about Ikea meatballs, highlighting the festive atmosphere.
Luxon stated that the opening would boost competition and benefit consumers, adding that local businesses would be better positioned to compete.
