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 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.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Coupa Inspire 2025
A Global Conversation: Coupa Inspire 2025 Brings Innovation to Your Doorstep
September 12, 2025

Coupa Inspire 2025 is taking its flagship experience on the road with the Inspire World Tour, bringing the spirit of its celebrated event to five cities across four continents. By condensing the energy of its global gathering into free, one-day sessions, Coupa is expanding access to knowledge, innovation, and community-building opportunities for finance, procurement, and…

Read More
Royal Dublin
Mastering the Game: Akshay Bhatia and Coupa Inspire at the Royal Dublin
September 12, 2025

At the Royal Dublin, Coupa brought together community and competition with PGA pro and brand ambassador Akshay Bhatia, who shared lessons from the course that extend far beyond golf. His message, “Master your swing. Master your spend,” underscored the power of precision, discipline, and strategy in both sport and business. The event was not just…

Read More
Coupa Customer Appreciation Day with Akshay Bhatia at The Royal Dublin
September 11, 2025

Coupa’s Customer Appreciation Day at The Royal Dublin on July, 2025, brought together PGA Tour talent Akshay Bhatia and the community for a celebration of both sport and connection. Beyond the excitement of world-class golf, Bhatia shared practical “tour-level tips” in a relaxed clinic format, offering guidance on everything from escaping rough lies to mastering…

Read More
The Royal Dublin
Coupa Spotlight: Akshay Bhatia Tees Up Teaching at The Royal Dublin
September 11, 2025

American golfer Akshay Bhatia’s teaching session at The Royal Dublin this July marks more than a summer stop—it’s a sign of how golf’s rising stars are shaping the global game. For Coupa, the event highlights the intersection of tradition and modern growth, bringing fresh attention to one of Ireland’s most historic courses. Bhatia’s presence underscores…

Read More