IKEA announces huge new change at 1 of its biggest UK stores next Friday
IKEA is introducing a major new change to one of its stores next Friday.
IKEA is partnering with a major sports retailer bringing shoppers home and sports essentials all under one roof. IKEA Croydon is set for a major shake-up next week as Decathlon will officially be opening the doors to its innovative new in-store home on Friday, April 24. The Decathlon store will be a standalone unit with a dedicated customer entrance spanning 1,188 square metres of retail space within the 25,000 square metre IKEA store.
IKEA Croydon will be the first UK store to host a Decathlon unit. This marks the first ever partnership between the two brands. The new Decathlon store will offer more than 5,000 products covering over 70 sports including hiking, cycling, running, swimming and camping.
The store will also feature services such as Click & Collect and Decathlon’s Buy Back scheme.
To celebrate the opening, Decathlon will be hosting a weekend of celebrations packed with giveaways, family activities and prizes.
Festivities begin at 11am on Friday, when the first 100 customers through the doors will receive a Quechua NH100 10L backpack along with a £20 gift voucher to use in store. The first 100 shoppers on Saturday will also be receiving a free backpack. Visitors can claim the rewards by signing up to a free Decathlon Membership account which can be created in advance or on arrival.
On Saturday, the store will transform into a mini sporting playground featuring a climbing wall, free face painting, live DJs and a range of sporting challenges where shoppers can win prizes. Visitors will also be able to take part in a “Spin to Win” prize wheel offering instant rewards throughout the day.
The store will remain open throughout Sunday for customers to explore the new space at their leisure.
Decathlon was founded in 1976 in Englos near Lille in France. The brand opened its first UK store at Surrey Quays back in 1999 and now operates in over 70 countries. Decathlon will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Monica Cedres, London City director, Decathlon UK, said: "We’ve been looking forward to this day, and after a true team effort, we can’t wait to finally jump into action alongside our neighbours at IKEA.
"This partnership is all about making an active lifestyle as easy as a trip to IKEA. Croydon is a borough full of energy, and whether you’re looking for technical help with a PB or just grabbing your home and sport essentials in one go, we’re ready to help South London discover the joy of being active together."
Kim Chin-Sung, Market Manager for IKEA Croydon previously said: "We first opened IKEA Croydon back in 1992 and since then, the way people shop has changed.
"At IKEA, we believe that our physical stores have a vital role to play, as a shopping destination and to inspire customers. The new Decathlon unit coming to IKEA Croydon is the latest example of us investing in and reimagining our stores to ensure customers and co-workers continue to get the most out of these spaces."
