IKEA bosses are looking at locations where they could open stores in city centres as part of a new retail strategy.

But a spokesman said the company is not considering York as a potential location at this time.

The news comes after a council report revealed that Make It York has approached more than 80 businesses, including Ikea, in a bid to attract businesses to the city.

The Press asked Ikea for a comment on the report. A spokesman for the company said: “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 York as a potential location for Ikea at this current time.”

But Make It York has been praised for proactively encouraging companies to come to York.

The council report outlines the work done by Make It York, York BID, York Retail Forum and City of York Council to promote the city to retailers and address shop vacancies.

A council spokesman said York has the second lowest shop vacancy rate of any city in England.

Cllr Keith Aspden, executive member for economic development at the council, said: “Nationally, our retail sector is rapidly changing and as a local authority we should be ahead of the curve in terms of managing and influencing change.

“Supporting York’s city centre economy is a priority for the council and undertaking this research alongside supporting traders associations will put the council in a stronger position to determine next steps in preparing the city for future years.”

Cllr Ian Gillies, leader of the council, added: “This is a key priority for City of York Council and will help us to better understand how future changes might impact on the city centre and how the council and partners might influence change to support the growth of our economy.”