In a rapidly changing world where global economic pressures are reshaping shopping habits, IKEA is adapting by expanding beyond its traditional ‘big blue box’ model. With over 600 locations worldwide, Ingka is redefining accessibility by meeting customers in new ways.
IKEA is showing up in more places than ever before. From bustling city centres and suburban neighbourhoods to online marketplaces and remote services, the company has evolved far beyond the traditional ‘big blue box’. Five years ago, customers could look for a new nightstand or carpet with a recognizable Scandinavian twist in around 375 mostly out-of-town stores. Today, they can do that in more than 640 locations, and online, across 32 countries operated by Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer.
During the same period, shopping habits have continued to shift fast, as global disturbances put more economic pressure on people and businesses. The company invested EUR 2.1 billion in FY24 to lower prices and support customers facing economic pressure, while further investing EUR 3 billion over the past two fiscal years to open new stores, improve existing ones, and introduce more convenient services. In FY25, the biggest IKEA retailer opened 54 new locations – including IKEA Oxford Street in London, a new store in Seoul, and a major mixed-use destination in downtown Shanghai. On December 4th, the first store in New Zealand opened, together with nationwide home deliveries, and an additional 29 Pick-Up Points in all parts of the country.
One of the latest developments is a smaller IKEA store, piloted in the UK, US, and Poland during the last months. These local IKEA stores, with focus on everyday convenience, are designed to open quickly and cost significantly less than other IKEA stores – making it easier to bring IKEA closer to more people.
Tolga Öncü, Ingka Retail Manager (COO), Ingka Group | IKEA
“We always look at how to reach more people in smart and cost-effective ways, and this pilot has already proven successful in smaller cities where IKEA would not otherwise have been present. We are building on the good customer feedback and learnings so far and look forward to sharing more about our plans soon.”
As the ‘big blue box’ stores remain a cornerstone of the IKEA experience with the complete offer of home furnishing products, services, and inspiration, the company continues to optimise its physical presence to make sure it remains relevant and accessible. This includes opening new locations, transforming existing ones, and – when needed – closing units to reinvest in physical and digital channels that serve the customers better and ensure long-term growth.
“We’ve tested and tried many locations across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific over the years, and learned a lot about where and how customers prefer to engage with us today,” said Öncü. “We will continue to explore, adapt, and change our network of stores and invest in locations and formats that better meet customer needs, while always supporting and caring for our co-workers.”
As it changes the ways it meets customers worldwide, the company continues to look for additional ways to bring the IKEA range closure to more people. This summer it opened its first third-party online store on Chinese JD.com while partnering with Best Buy in the US to pilot new kitchen and storage planning services in select Best Buy stores.
About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents 87% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on Ingka.com.
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