IKEA has announced the upcoming opening of a new ‘small store’, on Harlow Retail Park on 24th July. The retailer says this marks "a significant milestone" as IKEA establishes its presence in the town for the first time.
The store reflects a new format for the business. In the first of three to open this year, it has been developed to be significantly faster and more cost-effective to open than traditional IKEA stores, says the retailer: "Located on retail parks, they will utilise the existing structure, making them just as easy to assemble as the brand’s famous flatpack furniture, and completed at pace.
"As a result, IKEA Harlow will open its doors just over 100 days after acquiring the lease, bringing IKEA closer to the many people in new locations like suburbs, towns and smaller cities where the business is not yet physically present.
"Offering a simpler, faster and more convenient shopping experience, the compact layout will be easy to navigate and designed for everyday convenience. Customers can explore inspiring room sets, secondhand finds, plan their kitchens and take home a wide range of home furnishings and small furniture items the same day."
Other key features and services include: a showroom and market hall featuring IKEA’s most popular ranges; online access to the full IKEA range; planning services for kitchens and bedroom storage; the opportunity to buy pre-loved IKEA products and bring back IKEA items that are no longer needed; and a select food offer.
Peter Jelkeby, CEO and CSO, IKEA UK and Ireland, says: “The opening of the IKEA Harlow small store is a landmark moment for us as we continue to evolve our retail offer and explore new ways to serve more people in more places. We look forward to joining this thriving town as part of the local community when we open our doors later this month.”
Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, adds: “It’s great to see IKEA opening its doors in Harlow this month. This marks a positive step for the town, bringing new opportunities for local residents and a welcome addition to the retail offering in the area.”
The store will be led by a team of 40 staff, and forms part of IKEA’s wider expansion plan in 2025, which includes the upcoming opening of two Plan and Order Points in Dundee and York, small stores in Norwich and Chester, and a new city store in Brighton.
