Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesRetail

Reimagining Retail with IKEA Digital Transformation & New Store Formats

In the swiftly evolving retail industry, the conversation around digital transformation and retail technologies is more urgent than ever. Amid this tech-driven revolution, IKEA is pioneering a remarkable journey. The stakes are high, as IKEA aims to shift from being primarily a physical retailer to incorporating a substantial omni-channel presence. As of 2016 only…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Retail teams put it to work with Sales Enablement.

Promoted content from Retail Refined on MarketScale.

Share

Get featured

Want to get featured in MarketScale Retail?

Create a free MarketScale workspace and get your company's expertise featured across our Retail coverage. No credit card, no demo required.

Request an invite

In the swiftly evolving retail industry, the conversation around digital transformation and retail technologies is more urgent than ever. Amid this tech-driven revolution, IKEA is pioneering a remarkable journey. The stakes are high, as IKEA aims to shift from being primarily a physical retailer to incorporating a substantial omni-channel presence. As of 2016 only 2% of IKEA’s business was omni-enabled, now in 2023 it has leaped to 23%.

The central question being answered here: How is IKEA digitally transforming its business model and store formats to adapt to evolving consumer needs?

On this episode of Retail Refined with Melissa Gonzalez, we bring you an insightful discussion with Parag Parekh, the Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Ingka Group, IKEA. The conversation navigates through IKEA’s digital transformation journey, evolving store formats, and the adoption of emerging retail technologies.

Key takeaways from the discussion include:

  1. IKEA is undergoing three primary transformations: transforming physical stores, enabling omni-channel experience, and providing additional services to enhance customers’ life at home.
  2. IKEA’s physical transformation involves moving from big blue boxes on city outskirts to smaller formats within city centers.
  3. The company is exploring immersive room technology in stores to enrich the customer experience.

Parag Parekh brings a wealth of experience in the field of digital transformation, currently leading IKEA’s digital initiatives as the Chief Digital & Technology Officer of the INGKA group, which one of the largest retail companies in the world and operates a large number of IKEA stores. His work primarily revolves around driving the digital transformation for IKEA, focusing on everything from in-store Wi-Fi to e-commerce and back-office operations.

Retail Refined

Part of this channel

Retail Refined

In-store technology and consumer experience trends for retail leaders.

Visit the channel

Your experts belong here

Every story in MarketScale Retail starts with a company putting its merchandising leads, store operations teams, and category managers on the record. Buyers are already reading this topic. The only question is whose experts they find.

Category buyers trust operators, so your merchandising leads shorten the distance between first search and first call.

Get your team featuredSee how it works15 minutes, straight to a calendar.

Follow Retail Insights

Get new expert content in your inbox.

Retail: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Retail buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one Retail expert. Your company is full of them.

This article was produced through MarketScale. The same platform turns your merchandising leads, store operations teams, and category managers into the articles, video, and social content Retail buyers are searching for. Create a free workspace and see it with your own people. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Retail Insights

Bed Bath & Beyond's rebrand to Neighborhood Intelligence signals a new playbook for distressed retail recovery

Bed Bath & Beyond's rebrand to Neighborhood Intelligence signals a new playbook for distressed retail recovery

Bed Bath & Beyond has rebranded to Neighborhood Intelligence as part of its strategic efforts to revitalize its business. The company aims to leverage data and strengthen local relevance to improve its competitive position in the retail market.

  • 01Bed Bath & Beyond has renamed itself to Neighborhood Intelligence as part of a rebranding strategy.
  • 02The rebranding emphasizes data utilization and local community relevance to drive business success.
  • 03This strategic move aims to bolster the company's position amid retail market challenges.

Aug 15, 2026

Whatnot hits $20 billion valuation as live shopping pulls retail investment away from traditional formats

Whatnot hits $20 billion valuation as live shopping pulls retail investment away from traditional formats

Whatnot has reached a $20 billion valuation, highlighting a shift in retail investment priorities from traditional formats to live shopping. This growth indicates a trend where brands, facing decreased domestic demand, are seeking innovative sales channels to maintain market relevance.

  • 01Whatnot's valuation has nearly doubled in under a year to $20 billion.
  • 02Retail brands are increasingly investing in live shopping platforms as a new sales channel.
  • 03Domestic demand is slowing, prompting brands to explore innovative ways to engage customers.

Aug 15, 2026

Bed Bath & Beyond posts Q2 revenue growth and plans rebrand to Neighborhood Intelligence as ecommerce data demands intensify

Bed Bath & Beyond posts Q2 revenue growth and plans rebrand to Neighborhood Intelligence as ecommerce data demands intensify

Bed Bath & Beyond has reported revenue growth for Q2 FY26 and is planning a rebrand to Neighborhood Intelligence in response to increasing demands for ecommerce data. The rebranding is part of a strategic shift to enhance data-driven retail operations.

  • 01Bed Bath & Beyond is rebranding to Neighborhood Intelligence as part of a strategic pivot.
  • 02The company reported revenue growth for Q2 FY26.
  • 03Ecommerce data demands are intensifying for retail operators.

Aug 15, 2026

Explore More Retail Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Retail.

Browse Retail Hub

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Retail and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512