// Ikea reveals expansion plans for the North West as part of ongoing transformation
// The retailer will open new Plan & Order Points in Aintree, Preston, and Stockport
Ikea will expand in the North West as part of its ongoing transformation to make it easier and more accessible for customers to shop at its stores.
The homewares giant said the North West is a key region, and it will open new Plan & Order Points in Aintree, Preston, and Stockport, with an expanded service offering.
The Plan & Order Points will provide customers with a free, bespoke design consultation with experienced kitchen and bedroom storage experts.
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The units, located in retail parks and shopping centres, will be sized between 70–90 sqm, showcase around five kitchen and wardrobe solutions as well as having a consultation area.
They will be packed with information, samples, tools and specialist knowledge needed to plan a kitchen or bedroom storage solution.
There will be no products to take away or food for sale on site. Instead, customer orders will be transported to the customer’s home, or made available for collection to another convenient point of delivery.
Alongside the new openings, Ikea is expanding its fulfilment network in the area. Last month, it revealed the launch of several ‘Collect near you’ points, located within select Tesco carparks in close proximity of the new Plan & Order points.
The retailer has also invested in online and in-home planning services. This enables customers to either plan their kitchen or bedroom together with an Ikea co-worker online, or have a co-worker come to their home and plan it from there.
“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 with using a number of convenient ways,” Ikea UK & Ireland Deputy Country Retail Manager, Marsha Smith said.
“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.”
