Ikea set to open new location in Norwich, the second of three small stores with third planned for Chester

Ikea is gearing up to open a new location in Norwich on Thursday, 28th August. This small store format is the second of three to open, with a third planned for Chester in the coming months.

These locations, all of which are located in retail parks, reflect a new format for Ikea, designed to be quick to market and offering a simpler, faster shopping experience, just around the corner.

Key features and services include: 

• A showroom and market hall featuring Ikea’s most popular families, home furnishing accessories and limited edition seasonal ranges.

• Online access to the full range, with the option of home delivery or free collection in 48 hours.

• Planning services for kitchens and bedroom storage to help customers design their dream spaces.

• The opportunity to buy pre-loved Ikea products at more affordable prices and bring back items that are no longer needed in exchange for store credit.

• A selection of food offered at The Swedish Bite for those wanting to eat in or take away.

Milosz Grobelny, Unit Manager for Ikea Norwich, sys: “We’re really excited about opening our new Norwich store - it may be small, but it’s packed with everything you’d expect from us. This is a big step for us as we try out new ways to reach more people in more places. We can’t wait to become part of the Norwich community - a fine city - and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone when we open later this month.” 

Councillor Mike Stonard, Leader of Norwich City Council, says: “I am delighted to see this household name return to Norwich, which will help bring the jobs, opportunity and growth we are striving for through our community led plan. This is a huge vote of confidence in our city and a fantastic boost for our regional economy.”

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.