Swedish homeware chain Ikea is set to open a new small-format store at Greyhound Retail Park in Chester on 9 October, marking the retailer’s third such launch in the UK this year as it continues to expand beyond its traditional out-of-town warehouses.
The new site follows the recent opening in Harlow, in Essex, with the smaller shops designed to provide a more convenient and accessible experience for customers in towns, suburbs, and smaller cities.
Unlike Ikea’s large-scale blue-box stores, the compact layout offers curated room sets, second-hand finds, and same-day takeaway of home furnishings and small furniture items.
Customers will also be able to use in-store planning services, including kitchen design, and enjoy Ikea’s signature food offer at The Swedish Bite, either to eat in or take away.
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The new unit will be led by a team of around 35 co-workers, recruited with a mix of specialist skills.
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.”
The launch is part of Ikea’s wider UK expansion strategy, which blends new small-format stores, Plan and Order Points, and city-centre sites. In recent months, the retailer has opened planning studios in Hull and York, with Dundee to follow, and city-centre stores in Brighton and on London’s Oxford Street.
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