Ikea secures former Homebase units for new small-format stores
Ikea has acquired several former Homebase units to roll out a new small-format store concept across the UK.
Ikea has acquired several former Homebase units to roll out a new small-format store concept across the UK.
The home and furniture giant has secured three locations in busy retail parks, with new stores set to open in Harlow, Chester, and Norwich.
According to Retail Week, the Swedish furniture giant describe the as offering “the classic Ikea experience that customers know and love, on a smaller scale,” the new-format stores will feature a curated product range, planning and design services, and click-and-collect options.
Around 5,000 products will be on display, with 3,000 available for immediate purchase and the rest available to order.
The stores will also include a food offering, featuring what Ikea calls a “compact on-the-go food menu for customers to take away.”
Related Story
Ikea UK and Ireland chief executive Peter Jelkeby told the outlet 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. 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.”
The news comes as Ikea revealed its highly anticipated Oxford Street store is set to open this spring, and another city centre store will open in Brighton later this year.
The opening follows three years of renovation works, which include upgrades to enhance the property’s environmental performance, refurbishing its original features.
Last month, the retailer said it had received 3,730 applications in just six days for the Oxford Street store – more than ten times the 150 available positions.
The retailer currently has 21 full-size big box stores across the UK, an order and collection point in Aberdeen, and three plan and order points in Aintree, Preston and Stockport.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
