Ikea opens pop-ups in Christchurch and Wellington ahead of NZ store launch

Ikea is giving New Zealanders a first look at product pricing by launching a series of interactive pop-ups in Christchurch and Wellington.

These pop-ups let the public explore a curated selection of popular products before the Sylvia Park store and online shopping launch in just over two weeks.

Concepted and executed by Havas Host, each pop-up reflects the personality of each city, from the unique film history of Wellington to Christchurch’s punchy street art scene.

Local VFX and contemporary artists have created original artwork for the pop-ups, taking inspiration from Ikea home furnishings.

A taste of what’s coming

The experiences are styled in the Ikea blue and yellow and encourage visitors to walk through thoughtfully arranged spaces, view artist impressions and product selections and snap photos at specially designed Instagrammable moments.

While the pop-ups won’t offer shopping, Kirsten Hasler, head of marketing for Ikea Australia and New Zealand, says they’re designed to spark ideas and give customers a taste of what’s coming when the new store opens.

Hasler says every Ikea product is created with affordability, quality and sustainability in mind, ensuring there’s something for every home and every budget.

“Ikea is a global brand, but we aim to understand what home life is like in all the different cities we’re in. 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. We really wanted to connect with the unique vibe of Christchurch and Wellington, bringing Swedish design and Kiwi creativity together.”

Connect with the heart of local life

Laura Mahony, head of client experience at Havas Host, adds: “At Ikea, understanding life at home is in the brand’s DNA – and entering Aotearoa, we wanted to ensure we did it with that same understanding. We saw these pop-ups as an incredible opportunity to help Ikea say hej [“hi” in Swedish] in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

“Partnering with incredible local artists and talent was the perfect way to put a Kiwi twist on Swedish design. By reimagining Ikea’s most loved pieces through the vibrant lens of Christchurch’s art scene and Wellington’s film culture, we’ve created experiences that hope to spark conversations and connect with the heart of local life.”

Street-art & film

In Christchurch, from November 18 until December 10, the pop-up at Cathedral Square will tap into the city’s booming street-art trend.

Open 10am to 6pm daily, local artists such as Miranda Parkes, Adam Popovic, Dcypher, Kophie Su’a-Hulsbosch, Turumeke Harrington, Sha Marie, Ghostcat and Wongi “Freak” Wilson, will showcase original works inspired by the most recognisable Ikea pieces.

Christchurch Art House

Wellington’s pop-up brings Ikea design into the spotlight of the city’s vibrant film culture.

Running from November 28 to December 17 at Odlins Plaza. The experience features movie-inspired postersand trailers created by local illustrators and VFX artists. Each artist playfully reinterprets the design icons of Ikea through the lens of different movie genres from indie art house to 70s sci-fi. Doors open daily from 11am to 7pm.

Coming soon

Along with the pop-up experiences, Ikea has released a first look at New Zealand pricing.

Products range from the well-known $1.99 Frakata bag to larger pieces such as the Klippan two-seat sofa and the Stockholm flatwoven rug, both priced at $399.

Other favourites include the Poa Ng armchair for $199, the Svartpoppel cushion cover for $9.99 and the Ikea Ps Lo Msk swivel armchair for $219.

The first Ikea New Zealand store opens at Sylvia Park, Auckland on December 4, launching alongside online shopping, home delivery and pick up points across Aotearoa.