At just 764 sq ft, the Ikea Plan & Order Point store in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is one of the smallest locations the home and furniture giant has opened in the UK.

The new concept, which made its market debut at the end of last year, allows customers to book a free appointment with a specialist or use self-service tools to design a new kitchen or storage solution. 

Inside the Merseyway shopping centre, the store features a sample wall, allowing shoppers to get a feel for the retailers’ range of worktops, cupboards, doors and handles.

The store is Ikea’s second Plan & Order Point. The first opened in December in Aintree, Merseyside, while a third is set to open in Preston, Lancashire, later this year. 

Shoppers can order their designs for direct delivery or to a collection point. They can also order products from the wider Ikea range in-store.

Michael Parker, Ikea UK area manager, said: “Our investment in the North West is part of our long-term plan to transform our retail business, continuing to make it easier for people to enjoy what Ikea offers using a variety of convenient ways.

“The North West is a key region for us, being home to over 7 million people and also being the place that Ikea first opened a UK store, 35 years ago in Warrington.

“This new Plan & Order Point will allow customers to get inspiration and expert advice in convenient locations closer to where they live.

“Together with our existing stores in Ashton-under-Lyne and Warrington, remote planning and different delivery and collection services, we’re enabling an Ikea that’s there for our customers, however they want to meet us.”

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