New small format Ikea stores power omnichannel strategy as UK expansion continues apace

Ikea has opened the first of three new format small stores in Harlow, Essex, with two more planned to open in Norwich and Chester this year. These form part of the retailer’s strategy to be closer to where people live, work and shop.

Customers can explore roomsets and take home a wide range of furnishings and small furniture the same day. The stores feature a curated showroom, seasonal collections, and access to Ikea’s 12,000-strong product range, which can be delivered directly to their home or collected from the store with free next-day collection.

Along with the option to buy pre-loved items for store credit, planning services for kitchens and bedroom storage are also available, with a team on hand to assist customers in planning their dream spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of Swedish food to eat in or take away. 

Peter Jelkeby, CEO and CSO, Ikea UK & Ireland, says: “The opening of Ikea Harlow marks an exciting milestone as we explore new ways to bring Ikea closer to our customers.  We are opening our doors just over 100 days after acquiring the lease to the site, having made use of the existing structure to get our store ready at pace.”

“By continuously reviewing and adapting our store formats, we aim to offer a more personalised and accessible retail experience. These new small-format stores fit seamlessly into our wider omnichannel strategy, ensuring our physical and digital channels work together to meet the diverse needs of our customers.”

“We’re thrilled that customers in the Harlow area can now conveniently drop into our retail park store – whether they’re looking for home furnishing inspiration, expert planning services, or our iconic meatballs – and we look forward to bringing this new offering to Norwich and Chester very soon.”

Ikea is set to this year open a further two Plan and Order Points in Dundee and York, small stores in Norwich and Chester, and a new city location in Brighton, having already opened Plan and Order Point Hull and a city centre store on London’s Oxford Street in 2025.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.