Ikea has announced plans to open a new interior design showroom in Bromley, south-east London, in spring 2019.
The Swedish furniture firm said the new planning studio will specialise in bedrooms and kitchens, “giving customers an easy and convenient way to get the advice and inspiration they need to browse, plan and order furniture for a bigger project in their home”.
The firm, famous for its out-of-town DIY sheds and affordable but stylish flat-pack furniture, is in the middle of a massive strategic transformation, investing heavily in e-commerce capabilities and small stores in busy urban centres.
“The opening of our new planning studio in Bromley will mark the next exciting step in our city-centre approach, as we bring Ikea to the heart of urban areas in London,” said Jane Bisset, Ikea London city-centre market leader.
“Following the successful launch of our first planning studio on Tottenham Court Road, we are committed to giving customers the choices they need and understand the role we can play in helping people plan bigger projects in the home.
“We are looking forward to opening our doors to the people of Bromley and providing the expert advice you’d expect from Ikea, alongside a great service package and delivery offer.”
The new planning studio will be located on the former Mothercare and Early Learning Centre site on Bromley high street and will offer customers a “personalised service dedicated to planning bedrooms and kitchens”.
The firm added: “At 900sq m, it will provide customers with plenty of space to browse, plan and order their new bedroom or kitchen, alongside lots of inspiration for bedroom accessories, including chests of drawers, side tables and beds, which customers will be able to purchase online.”
Ikea said it is currently exploring other locations in London for similar outlets, as well as opportunities to “test and trial” different formats in the city centre.
The firm, which turned 75 this year, is on a mission to respond to the growth of city living and changes to the way people live and shop.
It said its much-anticipated Greenwich megastore, billed as the most sustainable Ikea store to date with environmental features such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels and built using recycled material, will open in early 2019 after a number of delays.
It said it will offer a variety of spaces, features and products to help Londoners live a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.