IKEA’s Ingka Group will introduce a Decathlon outlet inside its Croydon store this spring, marking the first time a global brand trades within an IKEA UK site. The 1,188m² Decathlon space will be independently operated, part of Ingka Group’s effort to incorporate complementary retail partners into its physical estate.

Ingka Group is investing €11m to refurbish its Klagenfurt store in Austria, with 2,600m² for third-party retailers like Thomas Philipps. In Sweden, IKEA piloted a similar model with Kjell & Company, focusing on smart-home products. The company plans to adjust store space in more markets to attract footfall and improve convenience.

IKEA plans to invest €5bn in new outlets and refurbishments across 32 markets between FY24 and FY26, aiming to expand its international presence. In the US, IKEA will open ten new stores this year, including locations in Chicago, Tulsa, Fort Collins, and Los Angeles. However, the company recently closed seven stores in China.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: IKEA to host Decathlon as first third-party retailer in UK store