Ikea said the Sylvia Park shop was the top-performing in the Ingka Group anywhere in the world for food sales. Ikea sold almost 50,000 of its Frakta blue bag, 40,000 white Oftast plates and 29,480 white Oftast bowls. New Zealand shoppers also bought more than 54,000 hot dogs and more than 21,000 cinnamon buns as well as 28,000 servings of meatballs and mashed potatoes. University of Auckland marketing expert Shahper Richter said some of the activity was due to the novelty of a new shopping option. Retail consultant Chris Wilkinson, from First Retail Group, said it had been the country's most anticipated retail opening.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 21, 2026 05:19 UTC