IKEA sets opening day, new purchase rules for small furniture store in south Charlotte

IKEA furniture store’s new, small-format store will debut soon in south Charlotte.

IKEA’s store will open at 10 a.m. Wednesday Oct. 16 at Promenade on Providence shopping center, 10844 Providence Road, the Swedish furniture retailer said in a news release Friday. Hours will be daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Unlike traditional large-format IKEA stores with its popular meatballs and other foods near check out, the south Charlotte store will only offer items for delivery and pick up.

“The demand and need we have seen in the area for more accessibility and convenience highlights the importance of adapting our services to better serve our community,” Sarah Pring, IKEA Charlotte market manager, said in a statement.

The 15,000-square-foot store’s showroom offers ideas for homes or small businesses with one-on-one consultation services, according to IKEA. Traditional IKEA stores are about 300,000 square feet.

Free interior design planning with IKEA experts for furnishing needs in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms also is available.

The new store format is part of IKEA U.S.’s growth strategy, with other locations planned in cities like Austin, Texas; Atlanta; and Los Angeles area.

IKEA opened its first and only store in the Carolinas in 2009 in north Charlotte. The 356,000-square-foot blue-and-yellow building is off Interstate 85 in University City and includes 50 room settings, three model homes, children’s play area and a restaurant. The store has about 400 full- and part-time employees.

IKEA has 389 stores in 32 countries, including 55 U.S. locations.