Ingka Group ramps up omnichannel push in France, aims to open ten new compact stores by 2030
Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer, is continuing to roll out a new compact store format that it has been testing since 2025 in a couple of European markets and in the US.
After the UK, Poland, and the US, Ikea in France is opening its first two compact stores while announcing plans to welcome customers in ten additional locations over the coming three years. The first such location, measuring 3,000 m², opened in Limoges on 27th May, while the second one is set to launch in Le Mans in the coming period.
"France is an important market for Ikea, and we are continuing to implement our strategy announced in 2023 by increasing our investments in the country. With these new locations, our ambition is to bring Ikea to new places where our unique offering can truly make a difference in people’s everyday lives,” says Juvencio Maetzu, CEO at Ingka Group.
Designed to open faster, these stores for towns and suburbs will be located primarily in retail parks where people already go for their weekly shopping. And although on average about a tenth in size compared to the classic store, they offer more than a quarter of the Ikea range for immediate pick-up. Portugal, Spain, Italy, Canada, Finland and a few other markets will also open their first compact stores in the coming months.
"Having our recognisable home furnishing products within easy reach will hopefully make a real difference for many people. Knowing that for some of them this will be their first Ikea experience is incredibly exciting,” says Javier Quinones, Global Commercial Manager, Ingka Group (Ikea).
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
