Latest IKEA Plan & Order Point opens, this time in Stockport
Swedish furniture giant, IKEA, has opened a Plan & Order Point in Stockport as part of its plans to become more accessible and sustainable for its North West customers.
The retail unit is a smaller store dedicated to kitchen and bedroom planning, where customers can visit for home furnishing advice and expertise to help design their ideal space.
The retailer, which has a major trading unit at Warrington, has located its Plan & Order Point in the Merseyway Shopping Centre, which spans more than 764 sq ft.
Despite being smaller than a standard IKEA store, it is packed with affordable kitchen and wardrobe solutions.
Customers will find a selection of different kitchens to browse, and a space dedicated to the PAX wardrobe system.
Michael Parker, area manager, IKEA UK, 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 seven million people, and also being the place that IKEA first opened a UK store, 35 years ago in Warrington.
“This new Plan and Order Point, along with one already open in Aintree, Merseyside, and another soon to open in Preston, will allow customers to get inspiration and expert advice in convenient locations closer to where they live.”
He added: “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.”
The new store has been carefully designed based on insights around how people in Greater Manchester want their dream kitchens to be brought to life.
People in the area show a preference for kitchens in traditional styles, often in an L-shape. A popular choice in the area is raised centre panel doors paired with wood veneer worktops.
For those opting for a modern style kitchen, they often select a sleek, high gloss white front with a minimalist look. Lately IKEA has seen people choosing more bold, yet contemporary, colours, such as the AXSTAD blue door.
Cllr Malcolm Allan, cabinet member for finance and resources at Stockport Council, said: “Whilst many high streets are in decline, businesses are seeing Stockport as a place that is growing and expanding, and a great place to be.
“That sort of recognition is something of an endorsement, especially from an organisation of IKEA’s calibre and reputation. Our ambitious £1bn regeneration programme is attracting a diverse mix of businesses to the town and they will be followed by a wide range of customers who have increasing reasons to visit Stockport.”
