Ikea puts focus on smaller store format as retailer gears up to open first York physical location in August

Ikea has announced the upcoming opening on 29th August of a new Plan and Order Point store in Clifton Moor Retail Park, York. This marks a milestone as the retailer establishes its first presence in the city.

Plan and Order Points are smaller stores, designed to provide customers with bespoke kitchen and storage planning services.

Also on offer are collection areas for online orders, with customers able to return Ikea purchases to the store. In addition to planning services, customers can browse and purchase from a curated range of 100 home furnishing accessories, available for immediate takeaway.

The store will showcase 11 different kitchens and 10 PAX wardrobe solutions and an appliance studio. Customers will be able to drop-in or book an appointment to start their design with one of the six design specialists based in the store, part of the 12-strong York co-worker team.

Products can then be ordered from across the full range for delivery direct to the customer’s home, to the Plan and Order Point, or a Click and Collect location of their choice. Appointments can be made via the retailer’s website.

Conor Doherty, Ikea Market Manager, says: “We’re excited to bring a touch of Swedish design and smart, affordable home solutions to York. Our Plan and Order Points offer the perfect space for customers to create their ideal kitchen or storage setup.”

“Beyond planning, these locations also make it easier for those living further from our Hull, Leeds, and Sheffield stores to access our full range, whether they’re shopping for a new sofa, bed, or any other IKEA favourite.”

Luke Charters, Member of Parliament for York Outer, says: “I’m delighted to welcome the new Plan and Order point to York Outer, due to open in August. It’s a fantastic addition that makes home design more accessible for local households and will bring good jobs to York. This investment shows Ikea’s commitment to our city and will support both creativity and convenience for York residents.” 

The opening of the Plan and Order Point in York forms part of a wider expansion plan, which includes another Plan and Order Point in Dundee, small stores in Norwich and Chester and a new city store in Brighton. This follows the recent launch of Plan and Order Points in Hull and Waterford and a small location in Harlow.

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.