Ikea announces opening date for new 'smaller' store coming next month

Ikea is set to open another new small-format store next month.

The Swedish flatpack furniture giant will open its new store in Chester, at the Greyhound Retail Park, on October 9. It will mark the third small-format Ikea store launching this year, following new openings in Harlow and Norwich.

The small-format stores still include showroom, complete with room inspiration, and a market hall where shoppers will be able to take home a wide range of home furnishings and small furniture items the same day.

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There is also online access for ordering larger items, with the option of free, next day collection, or home delivery, plus selected food options at The Swedish Bite, either to eat in or take away.

There will be around 35 people working at the new Ikea Chester store. Andy MacGregor, unit manager for Ikea Chester, said: “We can’t wait to open our new home in Chester.

“While a small store, customers can still expect the Ikea experience they know and love, including home furnishing inspiration, our signature food, and expert planning services, and, of course, a warm welcome when we open our doors next month.”

Ikea has opened new planning studios in Hull and York in recent months, with Dundee to follow, and city-centre stores in Brighton and London’s Oxford Street.

It comes after Ikea introduced a new click and collect charge for shoppers who want to pick up items from its stores. There is now a £2 fee when you order an item online to collect from an Ikea branch.

However, members of its Family loyalty scheme can still use this service for free. Ikea customers can also collect orders from select Tesco car parks, DPD or locker pick-up points - although there is already a charge for this service if you spend under a certain amount.

If you're an Ikea Family member, click and collect from a Tesco or self-serve locker is free if you spend £100 or more, or the spend threshold is £60 from a DPD point. Click and collect fees range from £2 and £5.

An Ikea spokesperson said: “We believe in transparent pricing and continue to invest in our services to expand our delivery options and click and collect locations to provide increased choice and convenience for our customers.

“To make our delivery and collection services financially sustainable, Click and Collect has seen the introduction of a £2 fee for non-IKEA Family members.

“IKEA Family, which is free to join, offers members free collection across all Click and Collect options, including in-store collections, at mobile pick-up points from Tesco car parks or DPD and locker pick-up points.”