IKEA Canada will open its first compact store format in London, Ont., on Sept. 29, introducing a smaller retail concept focused on everyday essentials and quick shopping visits.
The approximately 43,000-square-foot store at White Oaks Mall, 1105 Wellington Rd., will be about one-fifth the size of IKEA Burlington and will carry more than 2,500 everyday essentials and seasonal products.
The new format is intended to complement IKEA’s existing stores and digital shopping channels while providing customers with additional ways to shop with the retailer.
“We are excited to launch this new concept store as the first of its kind in Canada, making our affordable, functional, and inspiring home furnishing solutions more accessible to those in London, Ontario and surrounding areas,” said Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada. “As a brand rooted in life at home, we’re committed to continuing to meet our customers’ evolving needs and dreams and helping to create a better everyday life for the many.”
The London store will feature room sets and home furnishing solutions, as well as about 400 furniture items available for immediate purchase and takeaway from its self-serve warehouse.
Customers will also be able to order IKEA’s full product offering, with delivery and collection options available.
The location will include a selection of IKEA food, including meatballs.
The compact store is part of IKEA Canada’s broader omnichannel approach, with other London-area locations continuing to serve customers with different needs.
Customers looking to plan, design and purchase more complex home furnishing solutions, including kitchens, will continue to be able to book one-on-one appointments with IKEA experts at the company’s London IKEA Plan and order point at 3120 Wonderland Rd. S.
IKEA Canada’s London Pick-up location at 1095 Wilton Grove Rd. will also continue operating, providing a location for customers to collect orders placed through IKEA’s various shopping channels.
The retailer said the compact store is designed to bring its products closer to where people live, work, socialize and shop on a daily basis.
A grand opening celebration will be held at the London location on Sept. 29with contests, offers and giveaways. The company said further details will be released closer to the opening.
IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group, which operates 574 stores in 31 countries. In Canada, the company operates 15 stores and 13 Plan and order points.
The company said its stores received 33.3 million visitors last year, while IKEA.ca received 199.9 million visitors.
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