Ikea announces plans to open 20 small stores across Europe and North America during 2026

Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, has announced the next phase of expansion of its new smaller stores, with the aim of becoming more accessible to people in smaller cities and suburbs. The plans is to open 20 new locations within the coming six months to complement the traditional Ikea locations.

In France, Ikea will open its first 2,000 m² compact store in Limoges by the 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 at Ingka Group, Ikea, says: “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 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,” adds 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.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.