IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, is renowned worldwide for its functional designs, affordable prices, and minimalist aesthetics. According to IKEA, their mission is to offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low, that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.
While it's a go-to for home furnishings, it also offers a fascinating twist for travelers seeking a unique experience. Beyond its familiar blue and yellow facades, IKEA has woven its charm into 61 countries across the globe. According to Sarang Sheth of Yanko Design, IKEA subtly redesigns its products for each country or culture. From shopping for subtly different products available in your region, to trying the Swedish and regional fusion of food, or participating in workshops, here's a glimpse into the captivating adventure of shopping IKEA stores as part of your international travels.
Travel to the 16 most interesting IKEA locations globally:
L to R: 1. Vienna, 2. Causeway Bay Branch, 3. Kowloon Bay, 4. Shatin
Austria
1. Vienna
This Vienna store is seven stories and specially designed by Querkraft Architekten, known for its stunning outdoor terraces. Customers can buy over 4,000 portable items to take away on site, which can easily be brought home by public transport or bike. Events and workshops are also available like food tastings, plant advice, cooking classes, and crocheting classes, etc.Vienna, Austria travel planner
Hong Kong
2. Causeway Bay Branch, 3. Kowloon Bay, 4. Shatin
These IKEAs in Hong Kong are the smallest ones in the world and are located within malls or shopping centers.
Japan
5. Harajuku
The IKEA Harajuku store in Tokyo is a dream destination for design enthusiasts. This compact yet stylish store focuses on smaller spaces and offers Japanese-style interior solutions, blending the essence of Swedish design with the Japanese aesthetic. It has a cafe specific to tunnbrod, a Swedish flatbread, serving beer and wine making it stand out against other locations globally.
6. Shinjuku
The Shinjuku IKEA has a Swedish bite deli, the first deli in Japan where food is sold by weight, pictured is the IKEA themed donut in a bubblegum flavor.
Malaysia
7 - 8. Kuala Lumpur
Step into the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur and discover the extraordinary IKEA Cheras. After shopping for your favorite home essentials, venture to the rooftop to experience their unique dine-in option. A charming open-air restaurant offers breathtaking city views and a delectable array of Swedish and local noodle dishes.
Netherlands
9. Delft
The IKEA Delft store in the Netherlands is a special one. Located in a historic factory building, it honors the nation's rich cultural heritage. This location is a concept store, so often has new settings and products with a very large assortment, lots of parking space, and large restaurant. It also hosts a local market with other vendors and live talent shows.
Philippines
10. Pasay City
The Pasay City IKEA is the largest in the world at 730,000 square feet with five stories. The size of an average IKEA store can vary widely, but they typically range from around 250,000 to 500,000 square feet with usually two stories.South Korea
11 - 12. Gwangmyeong
The Gwangmyeong store's establishment was a significant step for IKEA, as it introduced its popular products and concept to a new and diverse audience in South Korea. The store's location, just outside of Seoul, also makes it easily accessible to both residents of the city and those in the surrounding areas. It's located in a mall, serves a unique earl grey tea cake dessert and has its own urban farm using the fresh vegetables in its farm cafe.
Sweden
13. Almhult
Begin your journey in Almhult, where the IKEA headquarters is located. The IKEA Museum offers an engaging dive into the brand's evolution, complete with kitchen, design-focused workshops, and museum gift shop with unique goods you can't get elsewhere. Stay overnight at the only IKEA hotel in the world.
14. Eskilstuna
Eskilstuna is the first second hand outlet IKEA located just outside of Stockholm. It's a pop up store that is a test toward for their plan to be a sustainable business by 2030.
15. Kungens Kurva
Roam through the historic Kungens Kurva store, reliving the essence of its inception as it the world's first IKEA store, marking the beginning of the global phenomenon. Opened in 1958 in Stockholm, Sweden, this store revolutionized the furniture retail industry with its self-service concept and flat-pack design. Its success laid the foundation for IKEA's expansion into a multinational brand renowned for its innovative and affordable home furnishings.
United Kingdom
16. Greenwich London
The Greenwich IKEA location in London has free "friendly" wifi, a government-supported certification program in the UK that aims to provide safe and secure public wifi for users, especially children and young people. Businesses must meet specific requirements to ensure their public WiFi networks are filtered and free from explicit adult content. This IKEA also has the quintessential London comfort meal of fish and chips on the restaurant menu.London, United Kingdom travel planner
Beyond its reputation for sleek home furnishings, IKEA beckons you to embark on an international journey that combines shopping, culture, and design. From the original store in Stockholm to unique locations like Kuala Lumpur's sky-high dining experience, each IKEA store carries its own distinct charm. As you travel, consider making a pit stop at an IKEA location, where you can immerse yourself in the intersection of culture, design, and everyday living that this iconic brand brings to life. Whether you're seeking inspiration, shopping for the home, or simply indulging in Swedish delights, exploring IKEA's global locations promises a memorable adventure.
What do you think, would you travel to one of these interesting IKEAs on your next vacation?
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