IKEA to bring compact store format to the Netherlands, but not (yet) to Belgium

IKEA plans to open five smaller stores in the Netherlands starting next year. The home furnishings chain is also rolling out this compact concept elsewhere in Europe. In Belgium, however, the time is not yet right.

A complement to the larger stores

Five compact IKEA stores are planned for the Netherlands starting in the middle of next year, the retailer confirmed to the ANP news agency. These will be locations ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 m², roughly the size of a large supermarket. The stores will sell home furnishings and lighting, among other items, but will not have space for a showroom or a self-service warehouse. They are intended to complement the larger stores, of which the chain has thirteen in the Netherlands.

Earlier this year, IKEA had already announced that about twenty such smaller stores would open in various European countries, including France, Portugal, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The retailer aims to be closer to customers in smaller cities and suburbs. However, in Belgium—which has eight large stores—no smaller stores are planned for the time being: at this time, the furniture chain sees other ways to expand in the country, such as off-site lockers, a spokesperson told the Belga news agency.