It says there have been “valuable learnings”
An IKEA store(Image: Bristol Live)
IKEA has shared an update on the future of its UK operation after closing two of its newest branches.
The Swedish furniture giant, which currently has 22 outlets across the UK, closed its Aintree Plan and Order Point store in Liverpool yesterday (June 16) after two and a half years.
Having opened in December 2022 at Aintree Racecourse Retail Park, the store was a pioneer ‘test and trial format’ in the UK, designed to offer customers expert advice on home furnishings with a focus on kitchen and bedroom planning.
Its Plan and Order point at the Stockport Merseyway Shopping Centre, which opened two years ago, also closed on the same day, reports Gloucestershire Live.
An IKEA representative said of the Aintree decision: “There has been an increased demand for Click and Collect services, a desire to shop a smaller selection of home furnishing accessories, as well as the ability to return goods to physical IKEA units, something which, owing to the space available, the current location is unable to offer.
“IKEA also remains committed to trialling new formats including its upcoming small stores, one of which will open in Chester later this year.”
Salma Azad, IKEA area manager, added in a statement earlier this month: “After careful evaluation, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the IKEA Plan and Order Point at Aintree Racecourse Retail Park.
“In the two-and-a-half years since opening, we’ve taken valuable learnings, including how our customers prefer to meet IKEA, and we’ll take these insights into future openings, to serve shoppers in a more impactful way.”
New Plan and Order Point locations are due to open in Dundee, Hull, and York. The Hull IKEA is due to open this Thursday (June 19), HullLive reports.
IKEA is known for its huge stores, including the Bristol branch which measures 200,000 sq ft in size. However, it has been expanding with smaller branches, including its ‘XS stores’ concept.
Its website explains: “XS stores cater towards those that live in city centres, and want to shop with us, without the need of travelling far outside of their city.
“These stores will have many home-furnishing accessories available to take away, and the full range available via home delivery.
“Today we are seeing societal changes that have evolved customer behaviours and the retail industry as a whole.
“Big global movements in technology, demographics, urbanisation and environmental awareness have caused significant waves of change in the way we live and shop.
“XS stores are a direct response to these societal shifts and an exciting step forward in our journey to becoming a more accessible IKEA.
“We have opened our first XS store in Hammersmith in February 2022, with a second XS store planned to open in Spring 2025 within Oxford Circus.”