Ikea is finally dropping anchor in the Big Apple — but not with its typical format.
Ikea will open its first-ever city-focused location in the United States next spring, in Manhattan. The store, called Ikea Planning Studio, will feature smart solutions for urban living and small spaces. It is designed to give customers the opportunity to discover, select and order Ikea products for delivery to their home.
Ikea opened its first store under the Planning Studio banner in October, in London. The shop, which specializes in kitchens and bedroom furniture, displays just a tiny portion of Ikea’s range of goods, all of which can be ordered online. It offers shoppers one-on-one advice with store staff. Nothing is available for take home the same day.
The new, scaled-down format reflects Ikea’s ongoing transformation and commitment to urban areas as it looks to be more accessible and convenient for all customers, regardless of where they live. The company recently announced plans to develop 30 locations in city centers during the next three years.
“We recognize that we are in a rapidly changing retail environment, and to be fit for long-term growth, Ikea is transforming in a way that lets us meet our customers where they are,” said Lars Petersson, country manager, Ikea retail U.S. “New York City is the natural choice to open the first city center store – the most vibrant, dynamic city in the US, and the epicenter of retail, business, and culture.”
The Manhattan store will open as Ikea U.S. has been making significant investments to enhance its e-commerce experience and service offerings, including click & collect, financing and TaskRabbit furniture assembly services. Also, in January 2018, Ikea began rolling out a new, lower-priced shipping and delivery option starting at $29. Customers can purchase all that they want – the charge is the same regardless of weight and size.