On Dec. 10, IKEA Canada opened its first plan and order point in Abbotsford, B.C. Located on 32700 South Fraser Way, the store offers personalized experiences while also bringing IKEA closer to its customers in the Fraser Valley. In an interview with The Cascade, Christophe Adrien, IKEA Coquitlam’s market manager, and Janet McGowan, market area manager of Western Canada, shared more about the launch, IKEA’s sustainability goals, and future expansion plans.
Abbotsford City Councillor Simon Gibson marked the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Representatives from IKEA Canada, the Government of B.C., Abbotsford City Council, Corporate Sponsorships and Economic Development, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, Archway Community Services, and partners from Leeswood Construction and Colliers attended the special occasion.
McGowan shared that the launch was driven by the growing population demand in the Fraser Valley. She added that travelling to IKEA in Coquitlam can be difficult for customers from an accessibility standpoint.
“When we specifically looked at British Columbia, we saw that many people were moving into the Fraser Valley and … it’s not so easy today for the people that live here in Abbotsford to get to IKEA in Coquitlam.”
The 5,790-square-foot store showcases up to 100 products for immediate takeaway. McGowan said that despite being a smaller location, the pickup and order point is designed to provide home solutions relevant to the community in the Fraser Valley without compromising access to full-sized locations.
“We have this beautiful ability by being right here in the community to tailor the inspiration and solutions to what life is like at home in Abbotsford.”
McGowan explained how the products align well with IKEA’s long-standing sustainability goals. Some examples include disassembling the products into flat boxes which allows more products to be transported in a compact space. Some merchandise including chairs, front doors, and their rugs are made from recycled materials. IKEA also focuses on designing food storage products to extend freshness and reduce compost waste.
“We’ve even tried to make those products available for immediate takeaway, because we know being able to live more sustainably in Abbotsford is a priority.”
IKEA has also partnered with Bolt, a delivery service company, to service its entire market and use electric vehicle deliveries to support its sustainability goals.
The Abbotsford location strives to offer a peaceful and personalized experience for customers as they walk in. Design experts are available at the store to help provide one-on-one solutions to their concerns. McGowan highlighted that the customers are also welcome to place an order in-store, at home, for pick-up, or can have products delivered at their convenience.
“We’re quite proud of that as well. If you live in the Abbotsford area, we’ve been able to make sure that we make delivery [a] more affordable option as well, at $49 for our family members.”
She added that IKEA also offers a free family loyalty program which allows customers and their family members to get discounts, collect points, and use it towards purchases. Members of the program can also benefit from the family offers and discounted home delivery.
“It gives our family members an opportunity to collect points and to get discounts and it’s completely free.”
McGowan highlighted the efforts the team put into understanding the needs of the Abbotsford community.
“I think [the team] really did their homework on understanding what is life at home in Abbotsford and have really come up with some very good, relevant ideas and solutions. I think that anybody coming here will be inspired by what they could create at home … I’m really excited for the customer to meet these co-workers. They’re so passionate [and] happy to be here.”
McGowan added that IKEA plans to eventually expand and continuously grow in the BC Market, starting with a store launch in Kelowna.
“We see a massive potential in the British Columbia market … The fondness for IKEA, the fact that many people in the market are so happy and in love with IKEA … We start with Abbotsford [and] we move on to Kelowna in the spring.”
Adrien added that having a smaller store will in many ways help create a deeper bond between their company and the B.C. customers who visit their store.
“The relationship between the customer and the co-worker will be much closer than in a bigger store, I would say … That’s what excited the team to move here, to have that kind of relationship with the customer.”
