World’s first IKEA “convenience store” opens in Harajuku

No meatballs? IKEA Harajuku breaks the mould.

While we love getting lost in the sprawling IKEA warehouses, the trend seems to be moving towards smaller, city-centre stores.

The latest IKEA store in Japan is located in Harajuku, at the heart of Tokyo, just a minute walk from Harajuku station. And it’s IKEA Japan’s first ever city store.

Since it’s opening on June 8, the public has dubbed it the “Sweden Convenience Store” and for good reasons.

Made for small space living

Unlike other IKEA stores in Japan, IKEA Harajuku is a little different. It caters to people living in the city, so the range of items on display are more suited for compact Tokyo apartments.

Still, IKEA Harajuku isn’t a small shop.

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A post shared by IKEA JAPAN (@ikeajapan) on Jun 7, 2020 at 10:57pm PDT

It occupies 4 floors within “With Harajuku”, a brand new shopping complex, and displays over 10,000 items. However, without a warehouse attached, larger products can only be purchased via their website or the IKEA App and then delivered.

A range of about 900 smaller items can be immediately purchased and carted home.

Food menu unlike any other IKEA

Another highlight of IKEA Harajuku is its Swedish Cafe. Its exclusive food menu is unique to the store and looks absolutely delectable.

Top on the must-eat list is its mouth-watering range of flatbread (bröd tunnbröd) offering savoury, sweet and even vegetarian options. Prices start from ¥200. (approx. $1.87)

Complete the meal with hot, cold beverages or any of the four types of low-alcohol craft beer imported from popular Swedish brewery “Omnipollo”.

Its famous meatballs, though, are nowhere to be seen.

And just before the exit, make a pit stop at the Swedish Combini to grab a cup of coffee, some cinnamon rolls and yes, plant-based sundaes. Even plant based ramen.

Is it still an authentic IKEA experience?

Though smaller in footprint, it does not depart from the IKEA look and feel in its layout and design. I bet it smells very much like the IKEA we know too.

Perhaps the only thing we’ll miss there is the meatballs.

If this concept takes off in Japan, we may get to see it translated to the rest of the world.

More IKEA Harajuku store information.

All images courtesy of IKEA Harajuku.

The post World’s first IKEA “convenience store” opens in Harajuku appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

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