The new store is part of Ikea’s wider plans to expand to more accessible locations across the UK
A new Ikea store is set to open in the North West of England. The popular Swedish furniture store has announced it will be opening a smaller-than-average site in Chester as part of its plans to expand to more local, accessible locations across the UK.
The new store, which will open on the Greyhound Retail Park later this year, is set to be smaller than the average Ikea, taking over a former Homebase unit in the city.
Featuring the popular retailer’s famous home furnishing inspiration, market hall and bespoke planning services, the new Chester store will offer a compact on-the-go food menu for customers to take away – where fans can still expect IKEA’s much-loved meatballs, reports Cheshire Live.
The news of another North West site comes after it was announced that the homeware store is set to launch a new range of smaller locations in former Homebase sites across the country.
In 2025 IKEA will open an additional two stores at former Homebase sites in Harlow and Norwich, in the same format as Chester.
Peter Jelkeby, IKEA UK and Ireland CEO, said: “We know many people want to shop with IKEA but in some instances are just too far away.
“That’s why we are strategically expanding our UK footprint, with the aim of showing up in convenient, accessible locations for our customers. In Chester we’ve been looking for the perfect location for many years.
“The site on the Greyhound Retail Park ensures visitors from across Cheshire, North Wales and surrounding areas have more convenient access to a local IKEA store.”
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Customers in Chester will be able to follow familiar signage around the store, with a curated range of up to 5,000 product lines on display, with up to 3,000 available for immediate purchase and the full range discoverable through digital tools.
The store will offer complimentary, personalised design support as well as click and collect services, allowing customers to pick up online orders at a convenient time for them.
Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North and Neston, said: “I am delighted to hear the fantastic news that IKEA will be opening a brand new store in Chester.
“This is a wonderful development for our city, and shows that Chester continues to attract investment and major brands. The arrival of IKEA will bring new jobs, new opportunities, and enhance our local economy.
“It’s an exciting time for our community, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on both residents and businesses alike.
“I’m really looking forward to stopping by for a plate of those iconic IKEA meatballs and a browse!”