IKEA Kuching rethinks large-format stores, makes room for omnichannel

IKEA Malaysia is rethinking what a store looks like, with a smaller-format outlet in Kuching and more ways for Malaysians to shop IKEA beyond its large-format stores.

IKEA Kuching, scheduled to open in December, will be IKEA’s first store in East Malaysia. It is smaller than its existing stores and built around inspiration and product experiences, as part of a shopping journey that also includes online shopping, home delivery and collection points.

IKEA Malaysia country retail director Takeshi Murai told the New Straits Times that the physical store is meant to complement digital shopping and not compete with it. Getting closer to consumers, he said, does not necessarily mean opening a traditional large store in every location.

Don’t miss: IKEA Malaysia appoints new media agency

The retailer is strengthening its omnichannel model in other ways. In Ipoh, customers can order products online and have them delivered to an IKEA collection point, and IKEA is developing digital services, including online interior design.

The strategy is also shaped by how Malaysians live. Murai said IKEA regularly visits homes to understand customers’ needs, and storage and organisation came up as a major challenge, particularly as more Malaysians move into smaller urban homes and apartments. IKEA plans to draw on its global experience in small-space living, including from markets such as Tokyo.

Murai said he remains positive about IKEA’s prospects in Malaysia. He would count it as a success, he said, if IKEA could deliver “one piece of IKEA product to every home in Malaysia”.

The opening of the first East Malaysia outlet will be instrumental to that pursuit. 

On Peninsular Malaysia now, though, IKEA is further giving its existing stores a reason to visit. “Sorted Lah! Open House”, running every weekend from 10 October to 1 November across all IKEA stores, is built around the idea of “a place for everything and everyone”. 

Its centrepiece is “The Sorting Escape”, an escape room in which teams of two to six race through four hands-on challenges based on everyday life at home. There’ll also be a listening lounge complete with vinyl records, a bookshelf curated by local book clubs and reading communities, and other family oriented events. 

IKEA Malaysia has been leaning on in-store experiences as part of its marketing. In September 2025, it ran a month-long “House Party” activation with cooking demonstrations, table styling masterclasses, live podcasts, DJ sets and a cookoff. Less than a year later, its birthday campaign turned into a thank-you note for the people behind its achievements, with co-workers fronting content that reflects the humour and everyday experiences of Malaysia.

Related articles:
IKEA is hiding something… and one million points are up for grabs
How IKEA is making trendjacking part of its personality
IKEA Malaysia introduces ‘Casa Capables’ to show the joy of staying home