The rumors are true, IKEA U.S. announced on Monday that it will be opening its first city store on the Upper East Side! The new location is contributing to the company’s commitment to bringing IKEA to urban areas. The “IKEA Planning Studio” is slated to open in Manhattan in the spring of 2019. The store will open at 999 Third Avenue.
IKEA is adapting to become more convenient for customers at any location. It recently announced plans for the development of 30 new touchpoints throughout city centers over the next three years. The New York City location will be the first market in the U.S. using the Planning Studio concept. This concept was created in conjunction with New Yorkers who provided input on how to solve issues associated with urban living and small spaces.
“New York City is the natural choice to open the first city center store—the most vibrant, dynamic city in the US, and the epicenter of retail, business, and culture,” said Lars Petersson, country manager, IKEA Retail U.S., in a press release. “We recognize that we are in a rapidly changing retail environment, and to be fit for long-term growth, IKEA is transforming in a way that lets us meet our customers where they are.”
Other changes within IKEA U.S., specifically in New York, include the remodeling of the Brooklyn store and a new customer fulfillment center in Staten Island. IKEA U.S. has also recently enhanced its e-commerce services by offering lower priced shipping and delivery, Click & Collect, financing, and TaskRabbit assembly services.
The IKEA Group operates 367 stores in 30 countries, with 48 in the United States. For more information visit IKEA-USA.com.
