Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, today shares the next phase of expansion of its new smaller stores, aiming to become even more accessible to the many people in smaller cities and suburbs. With its continued physical expansion, the aim is to open 20 new locations within the coming six months to complement the traditional IKEA stores as a part of people’s daily life.
Ingka Group is on a journey to become more accessible, affordable and sustainable. After decades of operating large IKEA stores in the outskirts of cities and later expanding into downtown locations in major cities, the company now takes the next step in reaching more of the many people in places where it has not yet been present. In France, for example, IKEA will open its first 2,000 m² compact store in Limoges by summer, with additional stores planned in other parts of the country. Coimbra will become the first city in Portugal to welcome the new format, with a location spanning more than 4,000 m², while Poland is set to open its second store by the end of the year in the city of Białystok.
Juvencio Maeztu, CEO of Ingka Group, IKEA
“The physical store remains at the centre of our omnichannel business – it plays a key role in our fulfilment network and gives people more reasons to interact with us. New smaller stores are a complement to our traditional stores and part of a broader commitment to optimising store space, advancing digital capabilities, and continuing the development of services. Our ambition is to come closer to customers with an affordable home furnishing range and a selected food offer, and to respond faster to what people want and where they want it.”
With a focus on everyday essentials, customers will find more than 2,000 home furnishing products and accessories in the store, with the full range available through flexible pick-up or delivery options. Designed to be more cost-efficient, the format can open significantly faster than traditional or metropolitan city stores, combining planning services, knowledgeable co-workers, a selected food offer and convenient access in locations where people already do their everyday shopping. 
“With the pilot store already opened we have learned that customers truly appreciate having IKEA closer to them and in locations that naturally fit into their daily life,” added Maeztu. “We have also learned how important it is to set the right expectations for what the new format can offer and help customers make the most of it. Going forward, we will focus on applying these learnings to ensure the best possible shopping experience in these stores and continue improving them.”
Investing in the new smaller stores is part of Ingka Group’s EUR 5 billion, three-year investment aimed at opening new locations and improving existing ones across most of its 32 markets.
After the end of FY26, the company will evaluate the performance of the new compact stores and decide on the next steps.
About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 32 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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