Ikea opens two new branches in German city centers - but they don't have much in common with classic furniture stores.
Wolfsburg / Ravensburg - Ikea is testing a completely new concept from winter.
On November 1st, an Ikea pop-up store opens in downtown Wolfsburg.
A second is to follow in Ravensburg in early 2022, as announced by Ikea.
Reason for the test: The furniture chain wants to become "more accessible".
Ikea would like to offer "quick on-site advice"
“With our Ikea pop-ups, we are evaluating a new format that enables quick on-site help and individual advice in a small area,” explained Nele Bzdega from Ikea - for example when planning a kitchen.
According to the information, both locations in Wolfsburg and Ravensburg are located in central shopping centers.
There has been an Ikea order and pick-up station in Ravensburg since 2016 - it will be closed until the end of the year.
Ikea pop-up stores for planning and advice only
If you hope to be able to dust off a couple of tea lights or napkins after planning your kitchen, you will unfortunately be disappointed: Take-away items are not sold in the small shops.
And it will not be possible to return products there either.
Anyone who orders items in the pop-up shops can either have them delivered to their home or pick them up at the Ikea stores in Braunschweig or Ulm.
However, the new concept is not planned for the long term.
Both downtown stores are limited to a maximum of 18 months.
During this time, the company wants to evaluate how customers are accepting the offer.
(
AFP / ph)