SHOPPERS at one of Southampton's biggest stores could face price hikes due to global trade tensions.

The boss of Ikea fears that global trade tensions will mean an increase in prices for customers.

It comes in light of countries across the globe imposing tariffs and other restrictions on imports over the last few years.

According to the World Trade Organization, trade restrictions were rising even before the pandemic.

The trend could therefore impact prices at the Ikea store in Westquay, Southampton.

The CEO of Ingka Group - which owns Ikea - Jesper Brodin, told the BBC that imposing restrictions such as tariffs "normally doesn't benefit the ordinary people".

He said: "Normally it leads to cost increases on the product in the end of the day. And there are some concerns about that going on."

Ikea stores were forced to close at the end of last year in line with covid regulations.

However, based on the Government's four-stage plan to ease restrictions, all non-essential shops could open from April 12