FURNITURE giant IKEA has ruled out opening a new store in Oxford as part of its new ‘city centre approach’.

The flat-pack retailer has said it is constantly looking at different locations for new stores, however, Oxford is not currently being considered, according to a spokesman.

It means residents will continue to have to travel to Reading or Milton Keynes to find the closest IKEA store.

Speaking about the expansion plans, an IKEA spokesperson said: “We’re in a fast-changing retail environment and we want to make sure we continue to be affordable and convenient.

“Our ambitious growth plans mean we are focusing on all parts of creating a great customer experience, whenever and wherever people need us.

“This includes investing in our online offer and customer services, rebuilding and adapting existing IKEA stores, and evaluating different locations as part of a new city centre approach.

“As such, we are reviewing our growth strategy on an ongoing basis. We are not considering Oxford as a potential location for IKEA at this current time.”