News Shopper can reveal when the new Ikea store in Greenwich will open in the new year.

Ikea Greenwich is set to be the UK's first leading sustainable store with the chain implementing the latest technologies to help become a more environmentally-friendly facility. The Swedish furniture giant has also teamed up with Zedify, the zero emission courier service, as part of their sustainability strategy.

Speaking to News Shopper, store manager Helen Aylett explained that by locating close to public transport links, they intend to help customers engage in a more sustainable shopping experience.

"We are focusing the store on public transport. I think it's something like 50 buses an hour which go past the front door. We're obviously very close to North Greenwich tube station and we'll also be offering services for our customers to enable them to travel sustainably as well.

"What we really want is for people to bring just their keys, phone and wallet and we'll do everything else for them," she said.

As well as public transport links, Mrs Aylett also said that there will be an onsite minicab service as well as electric vehicles for customers to hire.

The latest addition to popular furniture chain will include the usual facilities such as a restaurant and a creche, but will see some new features such as a 500-person rooftop pavilion with bookable spaces available for those wishing to use it for meetings or workshops.

"We want the community just to come and use it, whether they want to come together as a group or just come and work, or even just to have a coffee and get a view of London," she said.

Customers within the borough can also avail of their 24-hour delivery service, but this has not been extended to neighbouring areas as of yet.

Mrs Aylett also told of how the 500 jobs which were on offer at the Greenwich store have nearly all been filled with available positions reaching the "single figures."

"We've had a really successful recruitment process. We've worked really closely with local employment agencies such as GLAB, to really be at the heart of community employment," she said.

Ikea Greenwich is set to open on February 7, 2019.