Ikea is opening the first of its new ‘small store’ format this month, as it expands to new UK locations. The store type is designed to offer customers a simpler, faster and more local shopping experience – with added ecommerce features.
For the global homewares brand, the new store is quicker and easier to open, as it looks to move into suburbs, towns and smaller cities where it does not yet have a presence.
The first will open on Harlow Retail Park on July 24, with two to follow in Norwich and Chester. The new format will include a showroom with room sets and a markethall. It will also offer online access to the full Ikea range. Fulfilment options include next-day collection or home delivery. Shoppers can also use kitchen and bedroom planning services, choose to buy pre-loved Ikea products or eat in – or out – at the Swedish Bite. A team of 40 workers with a range of skills will staff the store.
‘Landmark moment’
Peter Jelkeby, CEO and CSO, IKEA UK & Ireland, says: “The opening of the IKEA Harlow small store is a landmark moment for us as we continue to evolve our retail offer and explore new ways to serve more people in more places. We look forward to joining this thriving town as part of the local community when we open our doors later this month.”
Chris Vince, Harlow MP, says: “It’s great to see IKEA opening its doors in Harlow this month. This marks a positive step for the town, bringing new opportunities for local residents and a welcome addition to the retail offering in the area.”
The Ikea first small store openings are part of the brand’s 2025 UK expansion plan. It will also open two Plan and Order points in Dundee and York, and a new city store in Brighton this year. Ikea is in the Leading group of the RetailX UK500.
Earlier this year, Ikea opened a new landmark London store on Oxford Street, part of its expansion into city centres.
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