Ikea has provided an update on its progress towards its New Zealand launch, sharing images of its distinctive ‘blue walls’ and revealing the doors will open “late next year”.

The blue facade has now been installed on most of the building’s western wall, as seen from the top of the Sylvia Park Shopping Centre parking lot. 

According to Ikea, the steel frame containing 4800 tonnes of structural steel will soon be completed, which is twice the amount used in a typical Ikea location, thanks to New Zealand’s earthquake protection regulations. 

The Ikea yellow wordmark will be completed by the middle of next year. 

Meanwhile, a mass recruitment program is being planned, seeking up to 400 people to work on-site, with applications open from January. 

Ikea began construction on its first location in New Zealand last year, covering up to 34,000sqm across three levels and focussing on sustainability.  

According to Ikea Group’s expansion manager, Fabian Winterbine, New Zealand has long been regarded as a “missing piece” in the Swedish retailer’s global footprint.

“In terms of online shopping, New Zealand rates highly compared to many markets. So we expect that to do well,” he said.