The announcement came in March that Ikea would open a so-called plan and order studio in Skellefteå.
Boxes and interior items are neatly arranged on tables and benches inside the store on Nygatan. The staff members are bustling around, working diligently to ensure everything is in order for the grand opening on 21 June.
– We're on the final straight now. There are a few tasks remaining, but we're making good progress. We have some final carpentry work and adjustments to be done in the kitchens, but apart from that, we're right on track, says Isabelle Andersson, an interior designer at Ikea.
Victor Fredriksson says that they chose to open a planning studio instead of a full department store in order to get closer to the customer.
In March, it was announced that Ikea would be opening a "Plan and Order" studio store in Skellefteå. In this studio, customers will not be able to purchase and take items home directly from the store. Instead, they will have the opportunity to plan and design, for example, a kitchen and then order the products for home delivery. The concept of the studio is relatively new in Sweden and was introduced two years ago in Bromma, Stockholm.
Johanna Lundgren is a graphic designer and also works at the store.
Isabelle Andersson, decorator at Ikea, says that they are in the final straight of completing the store.
The six employees who will work at the Skellefteå store are currently undergoing training in Umeå and have not yet arrived at the location. Victor Fredriksson explains that the decision to open a planning studio instead of a traditional store was made in order to better reach and serve customers. The focus is on providing a personalized and convenient experience that meets the needs of the customers.
Victor Fredriksson says that the store is starting to take shape.
The concept for the studio store is relatively new in Sweden and was introduced two years ago in Bromma in Stockholm.
Staff are roaming around and are at full speed to get everything ready for the opening on June 21.
– We view this as an opportunity to establish a closer presence in the market and serve our customers in a quick and efficient manner. We aim for these smaller units to complement our existing department stores, he says. Victor Fredriksson continues:
– Here in the northern region, we face long distances. Therefore, we see this as a significant opportunity to bring Ikea closer to our customers in Skellefteå who would typically travel to Umeå.
In the studio store you will not be able to buy and take things home from the store. Instead, you can plan and design, for example, a kitchen and then order the goods to be delivered to your home.
The store is located on Nygatan in Skellefteå.