Shoppers believe IKEA’s latest London gamble will work … if they can find a parking spot

How is White Oaks Mall is preparing for the arrival of IKEA later this year? CTV London’s Sean Irvine finds out.

The arrival of IKEA in London this fall is anticipated to draw more people to White Oaks Mall.

Construction on the store announced on April 9 is moving ahead quickly.

Watching it all on Tuesday, Roger, who has lived near the mall most of his life, “I’ve seen the mall go from Woolco to Walmart, and when there was a grocery store in there. I’ve really seen it all.”

And now London is a witness to the earliest stages of the new concept. It comes on the heels of cancelled plans to build a full-size store and the later closing of a small IKEA Pick-up Point location. IKEA still operates a Plan and Order Point on Wonderland Road South.

But this time, the concept of a mid-size store is generating excitement, according to White Oaks Mall Marketing Manager Sarah Imrie.

“You’re looking at almost 45,000ft² and over 2000 products that will be on sale here in London for you to browse. So, there’s more than enough to satisfy any Ikea lover,” said Imrie.

The new location will be about one-fifth the size of the nearest traditional IKEA store in Burlington.

Parking can be challenging at peak times.

It is a consideration that future customers are wondering about.

“It’s going to be hard. Like this is already a busy spot over here,” said Kashish Deep Singh, moments after parking his car in an open section of the parking lot.

Adding to the parking dilemma, the addition of stand-alone stores in front of the Wellington Road entrance.

Yet, mall management confirms it is working with IKEA to ensure there is plenty of space, adding that both parking garages will remain for some time, even with future development plans in place.

That is good news for shoppers, including Ruth Hallam, “Who knows, maybe in their wisdom they’ll build a two-tier, three-tiered parking garage over here [next to IKEA].”

And with most in-stock products expected to be compact in size, patrons will also be able to utilize bus rapid transit (BRT) when it debuts in 18 to 24 months.

Either way, for some, driving out of town to visit IKEA is about to be a thing of the past.

“You know, having something here in the community will help, especially, you know, when you’ve got a lot of students coming in. You know, IKEA is your one-stop shop, right?” said Roger.