IKEA Expands Irish Presence with New Waterford Plan and Order Point
Table of Contents
- IKEA Expands Irish Presence with New Waterford Plan and Order Point
- What to Expect at the New IKEA Waterford Store
- Product Availability and Staffing
- Cashless operations
- IKEA Waterford: Key details
- the Evolution of IKEA’s Retail Strategy
- Frequently Asked Questions About IKEA Plan and Order points
- What are the benefits of shopping at an IKEA Plan and Order Point?
- Are IKEA Plan and Order Points smaller than traditional IKEA stores?
- Can I return online purchases at the IKEA Waterford Plan and Order Point?
- Will the IKEA Waterford store offer the full range of IKEA products?
- How can I contact the IKEA Waterford store?
IKEA is set to broaden its footprint in Ireland with the grand opening of a new “Plan and Order Point” in Waterford on July 17. The store, located at Tramore Road Business Park on the site of the former Mum N Me’ mother and baby store, will be IKEA’s largest such outlet outside of Dublin.
What to Expect at the New IKEA Waterford Store
The Waterford location, spanning 840 sqm, is a notable expansion compared to typical Plan and Order points, which usually range from 70-100 sqm. While smaller than the Carrickmines store in South Dublin (approximately 1,393 sqm), it’s over eight times larger than other Plan and Order Points in ireland. This new store introduces a unique concept to the Irish market: combining planning services with the option to purchase and take home selected items on the same day.
Did You Know? IKEA’s global revenue in 2023 reached approximately 47.6 billion euros,demonstrating its continued growth and popularity in the home furnishing market [1].
A New Kind of IKEA Store
According to Jayne Owen Gauld, Market Manager for IKEA Ireland, the Waterford store represents a “significant development” from existing Plan and Order Points. Currently, the six Plan and Order Points in the Republic of Ireland focus solely on planning services. The Waterford store will offer 100 “take away products,” a ample increase from the four or five examples typically displayed in other locations. The store will feature 22 “areas of inspiration” to showcase different kitchen setups.
Furthermore, the Waterford store will provide a Click & Collect service, enabling customers to order any IKEA item online and pick it up locally without incurring any charges. It will also function as an in-store returns location, a first for IKEA in the Republic of Ireland.
Product Availability and Staffing
While the core focus remains on planning for kitchens, wardrobes, and living room storage, the Waterford Plan and Order Point will also have a dedicated area featuring 100 IKEA products available for immediate purchase. These products will include popular accessories like KALLAX units and RÅSKOG trolleys, along with essential home items, with approximately 25% of the products priced at €5 or less.
IKEA is recruiting 15 new employees from the Waterford area to staff the store. This includes a new unit manager and five specialist planners to assist customers with designing their kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms.The remaining staff will support the Click & Collect service.
Cashless operations
The Waterford IKEA will operate without cash transactions, accepting only card and digital payments. This decision reflects the increasing trend towards cashless transactions,especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. While IKEA acknowledges that some customers still prefer cash, they will have staff available to assist customers with choice payment methods.
Pro Tip: Before visiting the new IKEA Waterford store, browse the IKEA website to get an idea of the products you want to purchase and check their availability.
IKEA Waterford: Key details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening date | July 17 |
| Location | Tramore Road Business Park, Waterford |
| Size | 840 sqm |
| Focus | Kitchen, bedroom, and living room planning, plus 100 “take home today” products |
| Payment | Card and digital payments only (cashless) |
| Services | Click & Collect, in-store returns |
| Staff | 15 new employees from the Waterford area |
what are your thoughts on IKEA’s expansion into Waterford? Will you be visiting the new store on opening day?
the Evolution of IKEA’s Retail Strategy
IKEA’s move towards smaller, more specialized stores like the Waterford Plan and Order Point reflects a broader trend in retail: adapting to changing consumer preferences and shopping habits. The rise of e-commerce and the increasing demand for convenience have prompted retailers to explore new formats and strategies to reach customers.IKEA’s Plan and Order Points allow customers to access expert planning services and a curated selection of products in a more accessible and convenient location than traditional large-format stores.
The company’s investment in Click & Collect services and in-store returns further demonstrates its commitment to providing a seamless and omnichannel shopping experience. By integrating online and offline channels,IKEA aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About IKEA Plan and Order points
What are the benefits of shopping at an IKEA Plan and Order Point?
Plan and Order Points offer personalized planning services for kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. They also provide a curated selection of products for immediate purchase and convenient Click & Collect services.
Are IKEA Plan and Order Points smaller than traditional IKEA stores?
Yes, Plan and Order Points are typically smaller than traditional IKEA stores, focusing on specific product categories and services.
Can I return online purchases at the IKEA Waterford Plan and Order Point?
Yes, the Waterford store will serve as an in-store returns location for online purchases, a first for IKEA in the Republic of Ireland.
Will the IKEA Waterford store offer the full range of IKEA products?
While the Waterford store will not carry the full range of IKEA products, it will offer a curated selection of 100 popular items for immediate purchase, in addition to planning services for larger projects.
How can I contact the IKEA Waterford store?
Contact information for the IKEA Waterford store will be available on the IKEA Ireland website closer to the opening date.
Share this article with your friends and family! What IKEA products are you most excited to see at the new Waterford store?
