Ikea is giving New Zealanders a first look at product pricing, launching a series of interactive pop-ups ahead of its Sylvia Park store and online shopping opening in just over two weeks.
Both Christchurch, and soon-to-be Wellington, have been given the chance to immerse themselves in a series ofinteractive Ikea pop-ups.
The Swedish retail giant says it is a unique opportunity for the public to explore a curated collection of popular products before Ikea officially opens in Auckland’s Sylvia Park on December 4.
Christchurch's IKEA pop-up. Photo / Jazlyn Whales
The experiences are styled in the iconic Ikea blue and yellow and encourage visitors to walk through thoughtfully arranged spaces, with each pop-up reflecting the personality of each city.
In Cathedral Square, in the heart of Christchurch, locals this morning got the chance to walk through displays.
While the pop-ups don’t offer shopping, Kirsten Hasler, head of marketing for Ikea Australia and New Zealand, said they’re designed to give customers a taste of what’s coming when the new store opens.
“Ikea is a global brand, but we aim to understand what home life is like in all the different cities we’re in,” she said.
Christchurch's IKEA pop-up.
Local VFX and contemporary artists have also worked alongside Ikea to create original artwork for the pop-ups.
“To show Kiwis what we’re all about and introduce our most iconic products, we’ve enjoyed collaborating with local Kiwi talent, letting them put their own spin on our range,” Hasler said.
“We really wanted to connect with the unique vibe of Christchurch and Wellington, bringing Swedish design and Kiwi creativity together.”
Adam Popovic is a photographer whose prints are displayed in galleries across New Zealand.
He received an email from Ikea just two months ago asking him to take well-known homeware products and redesign them to be displayed at the pop-up.
“I sent it through to them, they okayed it, we did a couple of tweaks, and they were happy to go ahead with three prints instead of one - so that was fantastic.
“Yeah, and here we are - absolutely stoked.”
Popovic said he was 'pinching himself' that his artwork had been chosen. Photo / Jazlyn Whales
Popovic said he was “pinching himself that his artwork had been chosen”.
“Like, wow, it’s not every day that one of the biggest companies in the world kind of says, hey, we want you to do something for us.
“To me, it’s huge, it’s an honour, obviously, to even be considered.
“The fact that they’re supporting local artists is incredible.”
Christchurch’s pop-up will run from November 18 to December 10, before Wellington’s pop-up brings Ikea design into the spotlight of the city’s vibrant film culture from November 28 to December 17 at Odlins Plaza.
The first Ikea New Zealand store opens at Sylvia Park, Auckland in December, launching alongside online shopping, home delivery, and pick up points across the country, making it easier than ever for people nationwide to enjoy the Ikea experience.
