Most of the time, deciding to shop in-store at IKEA requires access to a vehicle—especially if large pieces of furniture will be purchased—but in recent years, the Swedish furniture giant has been experimenting with new IKEA store formats that are better suited to urban spaces.
Due to the number of products displayed and stored on-site, most IKEA stores have large footprints and generously sized parking lots. In Vienna, a seven-storey IKEA destination is in development and it is strategically situated next to public transit. As IKEA puts it, "The whole building is geared towards pedestrians, subway and streetcar riders, and cyclists—there is no space for cars." Fortunately for customers, anything that can't be easily carried off-site can be delivered in one of the company's electric vans.
Image Credit: Jo&Joe
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Urban IKEA Store Formats
- Urban IKEA store formats that are better suited to urban spaces that accommodate pedestrians, cyclists & commuters and offer delivery options provide a disruptive innovation opportunity for traditional furniture stores.
- Car-free Transport Solutions
- Car-free IKEA stores offer an opportunity to develop innovative car-free transport solutions that make city shopping more accessible and efficient.
- Sustainability-focused Shopping
- Car-free IKEA stores provide an opportunity for sustainability-focused shopping that promotes public transport use and reduces carbon footprints.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Furniture Retail Industry
- The furniture retail industry can benefit from developing car-free IKEA store formats that promote sustainability and offer delivery options.
- Electric Vehicle Industry
- The electric vehicle industry can benefit from the increasing demand for delivery services associated with car-free IKEA store formats.
- Public Transport Industry
- The public transport industry can benefit from car-free IKEA store formats that are designed to promote public transport use and reduce carbon footprints.
