IKEA is set to expand its UK presence by opening three smaller-format stores in Chester, Harlow, and Norwich later this year. These new locations aim to bring the IKEA experience closer to customers, allowing them to shop conveniently in their local areas.
The upcoming stores will be situated in former Homebase sites at Greyhound Retail Park in Chester, Harlow Retail Park in Harlow, and Hall Road Retail Park in Norwich. Each store will showcase a curated selection of up to 5,000 products, with approximately 3,000 items available for immediate purchase. Customers will also have access to IKEA's full range through digital tools and can benefit from complimentary personalized design support and click-and-collect services.
Peter Jelkeby, CEO of IKEA UK and Ireland, stated, "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."
These new stores are part of IKEA's broader strategy to enhance accessibility and convenience for customers. The retailer is also preparing to open a store on London's Oxford Street this spring and another city centre store in Brighton later this year.
With the addition of these three new locations, IKEA continues to grow its UK portfolio, which currently includes 21 full-sized stores. The move reflects the company's commitment to adapting its store formats to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
