Admittedly, Greenwich could not be classed as central London but it does have great transport links, which is something that Ikea is keen to play on.
Ikea really wants sustainability to be at the heart of this new Greenwich store. Their co-workers, or staff as other companies refer to them, have all signed agreements that their commutes will be completed using sustainable transport. This means they can travel by bus, train, or bike and let's face it, in London it is easy to get around using these methods. Likewise, the retailer expects that many of their customers will travel to the store in the same way and so they only offer limited parking. Don't panic though, Ikea understands that you won't be able to get that flatpack wardrobe that you just need to have, home on the Tube. That's why they have invested in a fleet of electric vans and bikes so that they can deliver your purchases to your home at a convenient time.
The store itself also has sustainability at the very heart of it. There are plenty of solar panels situated on the roof which are estimated to provide around 50-80% of the electricity that the store needs to run on a daily basis. There is also a roof terrace which has been made into the most beautiful wildlife garden and benefits from views out to Canary Wharf.
This can be hired out for events if desired. Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil is also on display within the store and co-workers regularly perform demonstrations of it. There's a Learning Lab, where events and talks will be held about all manner of things to do with interior design. You can learn about anything from building your new Ikea furniture to hosting the perfect dinner party. Then there is the famous Ikea restaurant, home to the mighty meatball. This could well become one of the best places to go and get something to eat in the whole of London. Located on Millenium Way in Greenwich, this is bound to become one of the most popular weekend haunts for Londoners.
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In what will be another blow to the high street, is has been announced that Argos in the Hardshaw Centre will be closing in 2019.
