IKEA’s first downtown Toronto location opens next week

An IKEA spokesperson says that local Canadian customers can expect to see the retailer's "much-loved showroom inspiration throughout, with a focus on affordable, sustainable and small-space-living solutions that reflect the needs and dreams of Toronto residents." Photo: IKEA.

By Lucas Casaletto

Posted May 17, 2022 3:15 pm.

Last Updated May 17, 2022 3:29 pm.

It’s IKEA’s first-ever location in a Canadian downtown core, and it’s opening in Toronto next week.

It’s called “IKEA Toronto Downtown – Aura” and is located on the first two floors of the Aura Shopping Centre at Yonge Street and Gerrard Avenue, near Toronto Metropolitan University.

The store’s grand opening will begin at 9:20 a.m. on May 25 and welcome customers starting at 10 a.m.

An IKEA Canada spokesperson said that local Canadian customers can expect to see the retailer’s “much-loved showroom inspiration throughout, focusing on affordable, sustainable and small-space-living solutions that reflect the needs and dreams of Toronto residents.”

“Opening our first store in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant downtown core is an important milestone in our retail transformation to bring IKEA closer to where customers live, work, shop and socialize,” IKEA Canada CEO and chief sustainability officer Michael Ward said as part of a news release.

“IKEA Toronto Downtown – Aura combines our home furnishing inspiration and expertise with omnichannel retail solutions in a small store format to uniquely meet the needs of downtown residents. We’re excited to welcome the local community to experience this new IKEA when we open on May 25.”

What to expect at the new, downtown Toronto IKEA location

The 66,000-square-foot store will showcase more than 2,000 different products for “immediate takeaway.” The new Toronto store will also feature more oversized furniture items on display and available for home delivery.

“IKEA Toronto Downtown – Aura” is the 15th store in Canada.

Going cashless

“‘IKEA Toronto Downtown – Aura’ will be a cashless store that offers an easy and seamless shopping experience where customers can scan and pay for products using the IKEA app, along with digital tools throughout and multiple checkout lanes available on both levels,” the retailer said.

IKEA Canada announced that it would open its highly-anticipated IKEA Toronto Downtown – Aura store on May 25. Photo: Unsplash.

Home delivery and online pickup

The new IKEA location will offer a “complete range of convenient services.” These include assembly, planning and returns, and home delivery to allow customers to collect online orders for a flat-rate fee at a pick-up point located on the lower level of the shopping centre.

We can’t forget about the food

Swedish meatballs? Check.

“IKEA Toronto Downtown – Aura” comes with what the retailer calls “a new food concept” called the Swedish Deli, offering modern, healthy meals and specialty beverages. The restaurant will feature on-the-go food options and sustainably sourced essentials to cook at home.

“Customers will be able to enjoy classic Swedish meatballs and delicious new recipes that are designed to satisfy the tastes of a diverse Toronto community,” a spokesperson said.