Well-known new Chinese news site The Paper recently reported that IKEA China plans to make “strategic adjustments” to its store distributions.
On January 7, IKEA China issued a statement indicating that, after a comprehensive review and evaluation of existing customer touchpoints, IKEA China has decided to cease operations of seven physical retail stores, including the IKEA Baoshan Store in Shanghai, IKEA Panyu Store in Guangzhou, IKEA Zhongbei Store in Tianjin, IKEA Nantong Store, IKEA Xuzhou Store, IKEA Ningbo Store, and IKEA Harbin Store, effective February 2, 2026. “Local customers in these major cities can still shop through other IKEA stores in their cities (Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Tianjin), the IKEA official website, the IKEA app, or the IKEA WeChat mini-program.”
IKEA China explained that the retail industry is undergoing an “unprecedented transformation” due to “global economic uncertainty, the wave of digitization, and profound changes in consumer behavior.” IKEA continues to evaluate and optimize its business portfolio, channel distribution, and operational structure globally to better meet customer needs. Specific measures include maximizing the efficiency of every square meter of commercial space through transformation, closure, or addition of business units.
IKEA began its sourcing operations in China in the 1960s and opened its first IKEA store in 1998. Since then, IKEA has gradually built a complete value chain in China, encompassing product development, sourcing, production, logistics, retail stores, and digital innovation.
Source: The Paper, January 7, 2026
https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_32333259