IKEA Canada is set to broaden its physical presence with the introduction of a new small-format store concept.

The first site is scheduled to open in London, Ontario, later this year.

Ikea’s smaller-footprint format is intended to position stores within or closer to residential and commercial areas, enabling shorter, more routine visits rather than the destination-style trips associated with traditional large-format locations.

The Ontario location will cover approximately 43,000ft², around one-fifth the size of Ikea Burlington in Vermont, and will offer a curated range of more than 2,000 items.

These will include core home essentials and seasonal products available for immediate purchase.

Customers will also have the option to order from the retailer’s full catalogue, with delivery and collection services available.

Ikea Canada CEO and chief sustainability officer Selwyn Crittendon said: “At Ikea, we're on an exciting journey to transform our business to be more accessible, affordable, and sustainable to our customers, no matter how they choose to shop with us.”

The forthcoming store builds on the company's existing presence in London, Ontario.

The Canadian opening is the only confirmed site in the country that sits within a wider programme announced last month by Ikea store operator Ingka Group. The initiative covers 20 new locations across Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Separately, Ingka Group has disclosed a five-year expansion plan for India, targeting 25 small and medium-sized stores alongside large-format developments on the outskirts of New Delhi, the latter forming part of Ikea-owned retail centre projects.

The moves form part of a broader strategic shift at Ikea towards a mixed-format retail estate across multiple markets.