IKEA's Launching More Plan & Order Locations In 2026: Are Shoppers Liking The New Format?

A trip to IKEA can seem daunting, especially if you live far away from one of its gigantic warehouse locations. However, IKEA is offering a new, more accessible solution for those who might not be able to journey to its main storefronts. The smaller, Plan & Order stores have been popping up across the U.S. and U.K. over the past couple of years, beginning in 2023, and the number of locations has been steadily increasing ever since. Plan & Order storefronts focus specifically on kitchen, bedroom, and living room design services, and also serve as order pick-up points. While shopping at IKEA is easier than ever with the new locations, customers are urging others to manage their expectations — the shopping experience has mixed reviews overall.

The Plan & Order locations are one example of how IKEA keeps its prices low by consistently prioritizing affordability. These stores cut costs by axing certain elements of the main IKEAs — like their famous cafeterias — while still offering catalog-ready furniture sets to order. A Business Insider reporter describes the setting as similar to a "tiny version of Home Depot," but notes that visiting a Plan & Order location might not be beneficial if you have a full-size IKEA in your area. Keep in mind, you won't be able to take home your selected furniture from a Plan & Order store right away. Online and in-store orders can be shipped to the store and retrieved on a will-call basis or delivered to your home. You can view all of IKEA's 2026 Plan & Order locations on its website.

Despite IKEA's goal to make its products and services more accessible to customers, there are a few recurring complaints and compliments regarding the Plan & Order stores. Some customers report receiving the wrong items, and then having trouble getting IKEA to rectify the order or accept returns. One patron wrote in a review for the 2.7-star Annapolis location: "When delivery arrived, over half of it was incorrect. Then [I] tried to remedy the situation, and it was nearly impossible." Another displeased customer wrote of the 3.5-star Austin location: "They WILL sell you heavily backordered parts and claim delays are not their fault." Aside from the stores having delivery issues, several shoppers mentioned in their Google reviews about being disappointed by the displays, emphasizing that the locations serve as better pick-up points than sources of design inspiration.

Although order mix-ups and delays can happen, there are lots of satisfied customers as well. The newest location in Redmond, Washington has largely positive reviews for the staff and services, save for a few reviewers who weren't informed about the lack of a cafeteria. The speed of order fulfillment is also a strong suit. "Incredibly easy experience. Using the link they provided me through SMS, my package was ready as soon as I pulled up," an IKEA shopper wrote a Google Review about the 3.3-star Fairfax, Virginia location.