After successful launches in England (Harlow, Norwich, and Chester), IKEA is preparing to bring its new compact store format to France in 2025–2026.
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Unlike its traditional, massive stores of 15,000–20,000 m², this new generation of IKEA outlets is much smaller, faster to open, and can be located closer to urban centres or medium-sized cities.
The strategy reflects a shift from large retail spaces to omnichannel flexibility, with stores designed to support online ordering, local pickup, and home delivery, rather than serving as massive one-stop destinations.
IKEA aims to seize opportunities in a retail market marked by frequent closures and changing consumer habits, particularly in mid-sized urban areas.
"The goal is agility, to be ready to act quickly when opportunities arise," LSA notes.
The expansion plan for 2026 will focus on France, with several compact-format stores expected to open as part of IKEA's broader European growth initiative.
Would you like me to generate a concept image (with no text or graphics) illustrating IKEA's new smaller urban store format, for example, a cosy, modern city-centre IKEA concept store with customers browsing compact showrooms?
Source: www.lsa-conso.fr
