Ikea set to open smaller stores across UK after complaints that superstores were too far away

'Our customers are also telling us that with 18 stores in the UK, we are often too far away'

(Getty)

Ikea is set to open a set of smaller high street stores across the UK after complaints that the superstores across the country are too remote.

The new shops will have smaller amounts of furniture on show, and will offer click-to-collect facilities. Stores will also include the popular cafes.

The flatpack furniture store is set to try out a number of new formats, with the first order and collection point to open in Norwich this Autumn, as the city’s previous nearest stores were two hours away.

The world’s largest furniture retailer plans to open another two small shops in the near future, and a planned high street location is understood to be under consideration.

The approach has already been trialled by the company with similar formats Spain, Finland and Norway.

Read more:

Gillian Drakeford, UK country manager, said: "We know that consumers in the UK like to shop across many channels and are using multiple devices.

"Our customers are also telling us that with 18 stores in the UK, we are often too far away.

"Order and Collection Points give us the opportunity to trial new ways of being more accessible."