Ikea will invest more than $2.2 billion to boost the company’s omnichannel growth strategy in the United States over the next three years.
The investment will make Ikea easier and more convenient to shop for more people. In this first phase of growth, IKEA anticipates opening eight new stores, nine Plan & Order points and a scope of operations that will create 2,000 jobs. Ikea also will open 900 new pick-up locations where customers can conveniently collect purchases. In the last year, Ikea U.S. has opened 15 customer pick-up locations and two Plan & Order points to make IKEA more accessible for customers. The company has also announced new locations in San Francisco and Arlington, VA, which are set to open this summer.
In the last three years, Ikea U.S. has accelerated its adaptation to the evolving needs of today’s consumers. This latest investment will further that work by continuing to modernize existing stores that are taking on a dual role: offering inspiration and home furnishing expertise and increasing handling capacity for parcel deliveries directly from the store. The company will continue building more effective replenishment and fulfillment capabilities while transforming last-mile deliveries to make them faster, more sustainable and more affordable.
As it continues to grow in the U.S., so will Ikea’s commitment to supporting people and the planet, the company indicated. It will explore new opportunities in clean energy, circularity and affordable housing, in line with Ikea values. As it works toward a company goal to be climate positive by 2030, Ikea will increase the application of solar and geothermal technology in locations whenever possible, transition to EV trucks to support fulfillment and delivery, and reduce waste, the company noted.
In 2023, Ikea U.S. has continued to provide opportunities to give discontinued and gently used items a home with the launch of As-is online, which allows customers to browse and reserve what might have been discarded items online for pick up in-store. It also has expanded the Buy Back & Resell program, which provides customers the opportunity to sell back gently used Ikea furniture in exchange for store credit.
“We know U.S. customers have a strong desire for more ways to shop and experience Ikea, and this growth plan will allow us to meet that need,” said Javier Quiñones, CEO and chief sustainability officer, Ikea U.S. “We are committed to continuing to grow in this market with our thousands of co-workers and millions of customers who look to Ikea for home furnishing inspiration and solutions at an affordable price. Our priority is to become more accessible while staying as affordable as possible for many people, which is especially important given the increasing costs of living.”
Tolga Öncü, head of Ikea retail, for parent Ingka Group, added, “The U.S. is one of our most important markets, and we see endless opportunities to grow there and get closer to the many Americans with affordable products and services, More than ever before, we want to increase the density of our presence in the U.S., ramp up our fulfillment capacities and make our offer even more relevant to local customers’ needs and dreams.”
