The Swedish multinational plans to invest 150 million euros in Spain and create 750 direct jobs by 2023. Ikea is immersed in its omnichannel expansion strategy and will continue to work to become more accessible and closer to its customers. In addition to boosting its online sales, it is preparing to open new formats to reach other areas.

The Madrid and Barcelona markets are two of the centres earmarked as part of this expansion plan, with two new delivery and collection points thus being established to adapt to consumer need in the two cities, thereby making them more accessible and affordable. These are located on Calle Núñez de Balboa in Madrid and Travessera de Gracia in Barcelona. These establishments serve consumers who drop by to collect their orders made through the online shopping service or in the Madrid and Barcelona stores respectively. According to Petra Axdorff, CEO in Spain, "We see the Madrid and Catalan markets as being a strategic part of our expansion plan, and with these two formats we aim to provide our customers in Madrid and Barcelona with new options so we can satisfy their needs ever more effectively. We are determined to be more accessible and affordable for all our consumers, and we are constantly studying what our customers demand of us so we can be closer to their needs".

The company has also announced changes in the management of two of its most strategic and important areas, namely sales and Ikea Food. Carlos Cocheteux will be the new Sales Director, while Andreas Flygare will replace him at the head of the Ikea Food area, where they will continue to promote healthy eating, adding plant-based options such as meatballs and vegetarian hot dogs to their food offer. The company's goal is that 50% of the dishes served in its restaurants should be plant-based by 2025.

Photo: Ikea