IKEA expands UK footprint with three new smaller format stores
IKEA is expanding its UK footprint with the opening of three smaller format stores on former Homebase sites.
Due to launch later this year, the shops will be situated in the Greyhound Retail Park in Chester, Harlow Retail Park in Harlow, and Hall Road Retail Park in Norwich.
Peter Jelkeby, IKEA UK and Ireland chief executive, said: “We know many people want to shop with IKEA but in some instances we are just too far away.
“That’s why we are strategically expanding our UK footprint, with the aim of showing up in convenient, accessible locations for our customers.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“Centrally located in retail parks, our three new stores mark a major step forward in our expansion plan, making it easier than ever for customers in these areas to shop with us.
“Harlow, Chester and Norwich have long been areas of interest to us, and we’re looking forward to bringing the very best of the IKEA experience in a refreshingly compact format to these communities later this year.”
Providing customers with home furnishing inspiration, a market hall and bespoke planning services, the stores will also offer a range of food-to-go items to take away, including the retailer’s popular meatballs.
They will have up to 5,000 product lines, with up to 3,000 available for immediate purchase and the full range discoverable through digital tools. Each store will offer click and collect services, as well as complimentary, personalised design support to help customers create the “spaces of their dreams”.
The news comes ahead of the opening of IKEA’s highly anticipated store on London’s Oxford Street later this spring. The retailer is also planning to launch another city centre store in Brighton this year.
