IKEA Canada is introducing a new small-format store concept aimed at making its affordable and functional home furnishings more accessible and convenient. The first location will open at the White Oaks Mall in London in southwestern Ontario. At about 43,000 square feet, about one-fifth the size of a traditional IKEA store, the format is designed for quick visits and everyday essentials, with over 2,000 items available for immediate purchase. Customers will also be able to order from IKEA’s full assortment with delivery and pickup options, while benefiting from planning services and curated room displays. And the store will include a selection of Swedish food offerings. This concept complements IKEA’s omnichannel strategy, allowing faster, cost-effective expansion into more communities. The launch builds on IKEA’s existing presence in the market, including its 2024 Plan and Order Point in London. In March, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, announced plans for 20 of the new format stores in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Canada. So far, the store in Canada is the only confirmed location. A CTV New report stated that the opening is expected for Fall 2026. Chelsea Thom and Matthew Jackson at CBRE Ltd are handling the IKEA real estate search across Canada, except B.C. Coordinating with the IKEA announcement, Westdell Development Corp., owner of the 700,000 square foot White Oaks Mall at Wellington Rd and Bradley Ave., reported plans for a redevelopment of the 165,000 square foot former Hudson’s Bay anchor space transforming it into a dynamic, multi-use destination featuring a retail and entertainment hub that will include IKEA’s new first-of-its-kind small store.
Westdell Development Corp., 1701 Richmond St., Suite 3B, London, Ontario N5X 3Y2 (519/681-0434 www.whiteoaksmall.ca)
CBRE Ltd., 2005 Sheppard Ave. East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario M2J 5B4 (Chelsea Thom, 416/495-6272 chelsea.thom@cbre.com) & (Matthew Jackson – 416/495-6294 matthew.jackson@cbre.com)
IKEA Canada, 1065 Plains Rd. East, Burlington, Ontario L7T 4K1 (866/866-4532 www.ikea.com)