Ikea is known for its gigantic warehouse-like stores... but now it's trying out a new concept store that's a lot smaller.
👉 Background: Ikea is a Swedish behemoth that’s actually based in the Netherlands, not Sweden. Many of us know Ikea for its gigantic warehouse-like stores and that loopy, maze-like shopping experience.
👉 What happened: Traditional Ikea stores can be up to 30,000 square metres - but now Ikea is testing a new concept store named the plan and order point, which is only 300 square metres! Yep, some will be 1% of the size of its mazey-cousin.
👉 What else: These new plan and order stores are focused on one-on-one customer service where Ikea staff will help customers plan out more complicated projects, like building a new kitchen, and then place orders online for delivery or pick-up.
💡Retailers are looking to make themselves accessible to as many consumers as possible as the winds start to change in the economy.
💡The last couple of years have been BOOM TOWN for homeware and furniture companies, but households are now dealing with inflation, interest rate rises and expected petrol rises so it may mean less budget for homewares and DIY projects.
💡IKEA knows it needs to be visible where all Aussies are - but right now, there are only 10 IKEA stores nationally. So, it is hoping its new, personalised experience in-store may solve the problem for shoppers, and will keep sales bubbling along nicely.
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