Ikea has confirmed it will open three new “Plan and Order” points as part of huge expansion plans.
The new smaller sites will open in Aintree, Preston, and Stockport as the Swedish flatpack furniture giant looks to build its presence in the North West of England.
“Plan and Order” points are much smaller than traditional Ikea stores and they contain no products or food on site.
Instead, customers can sit with Ikea kitchen and bathroom planners and order products for home delivery or collection elsewhere.
The units, located in retail parks and shopping centres, will be sized between 70–90 sqm and will showcase around five kitchen and wardrobe designs.
Customers can book appointments for the free service online via the Ikea website.
Marsha Smith, deputy country retail manager Ikea UK and Ireland, said: “Our investment in the North West is part of our long-term plan to transform our retail business, making it easier for our customers to shop using a number of convenient ways.
“With a variety of stores, service offers and digital solutions that complement each other, our aim is to be there for our customers, however they want to meet us.
“Our expert co-workers will be available to help the customers to plan affordable kitchens or bedroom – helping our customers to create a better everyday life at home.
“We offer a full complement of affordable services including finance, installation and assembly.”
The news comes after Ikea confirmed it has teamed up with Tesco to offer collection points from supermarket car parks.
Ikea is expanding its existing Collect Near You service, with an option for customers to collect their orders from a designated area within their local Tesco car park.
Collection is free for orders over £200 and costs £10 for all other orders.
The service launched in Blackburn on October 10 and is expanding to six other sites in Doncaster, Cambridge, Dereham, Bolton, Stockport and Liverpool.
When ordering online, customers will be able to select an option to collect from a pick-up point at a Tesco car park at their chosen time and date.
At the car park, they will find a delivery driver who will hand their order over to them.
