Customers react to Ikea closing their pick-up point stores in Ontario

 

Customers at Ikea are disappointed as one of the world’s leading furniture retail stores closes its pick-up and order point stores across Ontario.

Five years after opening them, the Swedish retail store announced the closing of its remaining five Pick-up and Order Point stores in Ontario including Windsor, London, Kitchener, St. Catharines and Whitby.

Some customers are not very happy with this new development and  hope that Ikea will reconsider and open a larger retail store.

“We just bought a whole new kitchen from Ikea. I love the store, the product is great, but I don’t know why they are closing. It’s too bad, it’s a shame. Hopefully they open one of the large ones they have in Toronto,” said Ron Gray, 62, an Ikea customer.

Ikea Canada launched its pick-up and order point concept in 2015 as part of a global test program to learn more about how customers want to shop. The decision to close its existing units is due to the end of the global test effective Jan. 29, 2020. 

“We are truly grateful to our co-workers who have contributed to our Pick-up and Order Point program. We will work with every co-worker to find the best option for them, including support to find a new position at Ikea Canada in one of our stores or distribution units,” said Kristin Newbigging, the spokesperson for Ikea Canada. 

In 2019, Ikea Canada reported positive sales growth of 6.1 per cent, welcoming 31 million visitors to Ikea Canada stores and more than 117 million visits on IKEA.ca. 

“The Pick-up and Order Point units were part of a global test and the decision to close is a direct result of that specific test and does not reflect on the overall business performance,” said Newbigging.

Building on this , Ikea’s stated goal is to transform its business model to be fit for long-term growth, including enhancing their existing stores, investing in digital experience, growing the distribution network and improving their service offer. 

Ikea said they  appreciate the support they have received from the local community over the years and remain committed to serving them in the best possible way.