Close to you: Ikea opens first planning studios on US West Coast

Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, is opening its first two planning studios in Los Angeles as it looks to get closer to customers in that part of the USA.

Yesterday, Ikea Arcadia in the Westfield Santa Anita Shopping Mall, welcomed its first customers, two days after Ikea Long Beach opened its doors in the Long Beach Towne Center.

These will focus on providing inspiration and smart home solutions for city living.

“Having a new touchpoint is always a special moment for us at Ikea and today we are thrilled as we open not one but two first planning studios in LA,” says Tolga Öncü, Retail Operations Manager, Ingka Group.

“Getting closer to our customers in California, around the US and the globe with an affordable offer is what drives our investments in new and existing touchpoints. We want to stay there for the many, both offline and online, and become even more accessible and convenient for generations to come.”

The planning studios will allow customers to book appointments and get support from design specialists with planning and ordering home furnishing solutions that require a bit more help – such as kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

While customers are unable to take home any products on their shopping day, the Ikea team will make sure that everything a customer orders is transported to their home or to another convenient point of delivery.

“The all new planning studios in Arcadia and Long Beach will allow customers to meet with professional consultants who can help them optimise their living space,” says Gustavo Tinajero, Greater Los Angeles Market Area Manager at Ikea US.

“With full service delivery, this is a new, intimate experience that’s uniquely Ikea and uniquely LA.”

Ikea has also been making investments to enhance its e-commerce experience and service offerings in the US, including new lower priced shipping and delivery, Click & Collect, and TaskRabbit assembly services.

The new planning studios are part of Ingka Group’s Euro 3 billion push in accelerating its expansion before the end of next calendar year.

The company says it will focus its expansion investments in new physical touchpoints as well as in revamping existing ones for a more immersive Ikea experience and to further support the increasing demand for deliveries.

Featured