IKEA UK boss backs major change for shoppers who drive to 'make it easier' Peter Jekelby, the chief executive of Ikea’s UK business, said he thought a plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street would be “good for the street” and “make it easier to move around”. Peter Jekelby, the chief executive of Ikea’s UK business, said he thought a plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street would be “good for the street” and “make it easier to move around”. The Ikea boss has backed calls to pedestrianise Oxford Street as its flagship store opens. Peter Jekelby, the chief executive of Ikea’s UK business, said he thought a plan to pedestrianise Oxford Street would be “good for the street” and “make it easier to move around”. Labour Party Mayor Sadiq Khan said the Ikea store was “a huge vote of confidence in London, in our economy and in our plans to rejuvenate Oxford Street” and that attracting new companies would help “create new jobs and increase footfall”. ‌ Jekelby said the “bold proposals” to pedestrianise Oxford Street were subject to consultation that closes on 2 May “so I encourage everyone to have their say”. ‌ READ MORE 39 counties in England at risk of 'power cuts' in 29C UK heatwave “After that we will take stock,” he said. “There are still places and space that we could be present in.” He said Ikea was “about affordability” and so could thrive even in a time of “thinner wallets”. Article continues below The new store will also have a Re-Shop and Re-Use section, where customers can shop for second-hand, second-life, and discontinued IKEA products. Alongside this, the ground floor will feature three "Curated Shops" shopping edits created by Londoners that "reflect and celebrate the character and diversity of the city’s residents". One person said on Reddit: "Can anyone understand the logic of this for IKEA. Don't their products need a car to carry away or they are relying on home deliveries." A second added: "So the big question is - will it mostly have just showrooms and small marketplace items you can buy, or can it also stock larger items too? And if the latter is correct - well how are people expected to transport this stuff? Article continues below "Because if you're planning on taking any of that stuff down to Oxford Circus Tube Station to take home - you can dream on." A third shared: "Going to be a nightmare getting my new wardrobe on the tube."