Ikea opens first compact store in Tokyo, Japan
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Ikea Japan has opened its first concept downtown store in Tokyo.
Ikea Harajuku, modeled on smaller compact inner-city Ikea stores popping up in Paris and New York, targets urban apartment dwellers with a smaller range of about 9500 goods selected from its big-box destination shops.
The new Ikea Japan store is located adjacent to the Uniqlo Harajuku which opened about a week ago, occupying a two-story, 2500sqm space.
“One of the store’s keys focuses will be sustainability and circular living, with a buyback service and sustainably sourced food”, the company said in a statement.
Besides featuring homewares products for small-living areas, the Ikea Harajuku houses a Swedish Cafe, where customers can find a Swedish flatbread menu, and Swedish Combini which offers a wide range of snacks and beverages including cups of plant-based instant noodles.
Plans to open the Ikea Harajuku store were revealed two years ago. The store was scheduled to open on April 25 this year, however that was postponed until June 8 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary target demographic for the new Ikea Harajuku store?
What is the primary target demographic for the new Ikea Harajuku store?
The Ikea Harajuku store primarily targets urban apartment dwellers. It offers a more compact range of goods, selected to suit the needs of those living in smaller city spaces.
Q.Does the new Ikea store offer food services and unique products?
Does the new Ikea store offer food services and unique products?
Yes, the store features a Swedish Cafe with a flatbread menu and a Swedish Combini offering snacks and beverages. It also sells cups of plant-based instant noodles, alongside its homewares.
Q.When was the Ikea Harajuku store originally planned to open, and why was it delayed?
When was the Ikea Harajuku store originally planned to open, and why was it delayed?
The store was originally scheduled to open on April 25 this year. Its opening was postponed until June 8 due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, affecting the initial plans.
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