Ikea sales reignite Cork store hopes

Swedish home furnishing giant Ikea posted annual sales of over €150m in the Republic, prompting fresh speculation that it may look to Cork to open a new store.

Cork has made a strong pitch to Ikea in recent months as a viable destination for a new store, with business, political and local government figures actively involved in selling the region to the multinational.

The sales of €152.5m for the financial year to the end of August means that Ikea is the largest home furnishings retailer here. Moreover, the Republic is the fastest growing market for Ikea.