IKEA has unveiled plans for a new Decathlon store within IKEA Croydon, with the standalone unit set to open this spring.
The Decathlon store will comprise 1,188 sq m of retail space within the 25,000 sq m IKEA Croydon store and will feature a dedicated customer entrance. IKEA Croydon will be the first UK store to pilot the partnership.
Decathlon’s offer at Croydon will include a curated selection of more than 5,000 products across categories such as hiking, camping, running, fitness, swimming and cycling. The unit will also incorporate circular services, including Buyback, alongside Click & Collect.
The partnership forms part of IKEA’s wider strategy to adapt its estate to evolving customer needs. The business now operates a range of formats, from full-sized stores to compact Plan and Order Points and smaller city centre locations. It follows earlier operational changes, including the conversion of stores into fulfilment units in 2019 to support online demand and the rollout of in-store Click and Collect services.
More recently, IKEA introduced a co-working space at its Greenwich store in partnership with Hej!Workshop, a concept developed by Ingka Centres in response to hybrid working patterns.
“We first opened IKEA Croydon back in 1992 and since then, the way people shop has changed. At IKEA, we believe that our physical stores have a vital role to play, as a shopping destination and to inspire customers. The new Decathlon unit coming to IKEA Croydon is the latest example of us investing in and reimagining our stores to ensure customers and co-workers continue to get the most out of these spaces.”
Kim Chin-Sung Market Manager, IKEA Croydon
“At Decathlon, our purpose is to bring people together through sport to make wellbeing accessible for all. This new home at IKEA Croydon represents a bold step in our mission to help more people across the UK and Ireland become active. This is the next step in our retail journey to create a personalised local destination where our passionate team of sports experts can help customers rediscover or find their new favourite activity.”
Mónica Cedres London City Leader, Decathlon UK
The announcement also sits within IKEA’s broader UK expansion strategy. Over the past year, the retailer opened seven new UK stores, including city-centre locations on London’s Oxford Street and in Brighton, Plan and Order Points in Hull and York, and three small-format retail park stores in Harlow, Norwich and Chester.
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