In Canada, IKEA is testing two smaller stores that work as pick-up spots for their faraway larger stores but also allow enough room to sell the chain's best sellers.
The Pick-Up-Points, to open late 2015, measure 20,000 square feet in London, Ontario and 40,000 square feet in Quebec City. IKEA's regular stores range from 260,000 to 340,000 square feet.
The locations will allow customers who have shopped online or at an IKEA store to pick up their products closer to where they live, thereby reducing delivery times and costs. Orders can be picked up within two days.
With the nearest IKEA store a 1.5-hour drive to Burlington, Ontario, delivery of a kitchen to a London resident can cost $450, according to the Toronto Star. London residents will now be able to pick up online purchases for a $20 fee or pay an $80 delivery fee to have the London location drop the purchase off.
The locations also promise to deliver "inspiration and services," some intended to support their purchases, such as returns, exchanges and assembly. They will also be able to sit at computer stations to browse www.Ikea.ca to make online purchases, utilize "home furnishing inspiration areas," or use stations designed to help customers with their planning process.
Source: IKEA corporate video
Finally, as a store, the locations will stock 99 of its most popular products for immediate takeaway.
IKEA currently has 12 stores across Canada. Pick-Up-Points is part of a global test pilot in markets where there are currently no stores. Other pick-up stores are being tested in Spain and Greece, with one for Thailand to open this summer.
"The ambition is to make IKEA more accessible to the many Canadians," said Stefan Sjöstrand, president, IKEA Canada, in a statement. "The Pick-Up-Points allow IKEA to expand quickly into markets that have been identified as having potential, resulting in consumers having easier access to our products."