Sweden based global furniture retailer IKEA, which landed in the UK 30 years ago, is now planning to open smaller high street stores in the country. The retailer is hopeful that the move would facilitate easy communication between customers and staff before they finalise a purchase.
Furthermore, the furniture retailer is also considering starting 24-hour delivery service in view of rise in online shoppers buying goods round the clock.
The furniture retailer has finalized Tottenham Court Road, just off Oxford Street as the first location to set up its first mini store later this year. Birmingham, Norwich and Westfield shopping centre in the East London will also get its smaller stores, including order and collection points.
Warrington was the first location in the UK where IKEA established its first store in 1987. Now, the retailer operates 21 stores in the country. However, the retailer would continue with its bigger stores.
The furniture retailer took decision to minimize store size after it reported decline in profits by 40 per cent to £ 87million after six years of steady growth.
“Smaller shops could react to trends more quickly,” Javier Quiñones, Country Retail Manager, UK and Ireland, IKEA, was quoted as saying.
The furniture retailer also intends to remain affordable, convenient and sustainable, both now and in the future, added Quiñones.
