At the bustling Oxford Circus Tube station, a Transport for London staff member noted that the newly opened Ikea store across the street had not yet caused any disruptions.

“We haven’t encountered any issues so far,” he remarked, just as a customer made his way through the turnstiles while dragging along the store’s signature blue Frakta bag, only to get stuck between the gates. “But that could certainly become a concern,” he added.

As the expansive Oxford Street superstore prepared to greet its inaugural customers on Thursday, shoppers lined the sidewalks in anticipation of acquiring Swedish flat-pack furniture.

This latest city center location has opened almost two years later than originally planned, with the property costing an impressive £378 million.

A black cab proudly displayed a sofa on its roof as it circled the block, with a giant version of the store’s PS 1995 clock ticking down to the grand opening.

Judy Thomas, 62, who had joined the queue at 8:40 am, shared her longstanding relationship with Ikea, saying, “I still have one of the original Billy shelves from the 1980s. Although it’s currently in my parents’ cellar, it was my trusted furniture piece during my student days.”

Security personnel were stationed throughout the store to manage the influx of customers, with one guard mentioning the heightened risk of shoplifting in the busy Oxford Street area and the need to remain vigilant.

With a ceremonial unzipping of the Frakta-style doorway by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, shoppers were enthusiastically welcomed by staff who were cheering, dancing to a DJ, and waving a mix of Swedish flags and Union Jacks.

Among the eager shoppers was Vicky Dawson, 51, who traveled from North Wales to attend the opening. Describing herself as Ikea’s official superfan, she shared, “Last year, I got married in New York and made a trip to Ikea because of my obsession. I decided to visit every one of the 21 Ikea stores in the UK within ten months.”

Dawson’s love affair with flat-pack furniture began in 1991 at the Warrington store, and her visits have taken her around the world, including a stop at the store in Geneva during her honeymoon. She plans to stay at the Ikea hotel in Sweden for her upcoming birthday.

She expressed her excitement about the new London location, stating, “Having an Ikea in central London rather than in the suburbs will help more people appreciate that each Ikea location is unique and connected to the local community.”

The local community’s response appears less welcoming. Oxford Circus station featured John Lewis advertisements reading, “Knowing you prefer quality to an allen key,” poking fun at the necessity of the tool for assembling Ikea furniture.

In a more welcoming sentiment, Rosie Hanley, brand director at John Lewis, stated, “We are thrilled to have Ikea as part of the Oxford Street experience. Their presence will surely enhance this iconic shopping area, a commitment we’ve upheld since 1864.”

At the Ikea checkout, Alan Johnson, 40, one of the first customers, purchased an orchid. “My partner loves Ikea and has visited the museum in Stockholm,” he shared. “Having an Ikea within the city makes it so much more convenient to pick up classic items without traveling to the suburbs.”

Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ikea’s parent company Ingka Group, announced, “The opening of Ikea on Oxford Street represents a significant milestone for us and is a long-held dream. I am excited about how we are incorporating London into every aspect of this store.”