Ikea has annonced it is opening three of its new-format mini stores in the UK. The Swedish furniture giant confirmed that the new stores will be offering a smaller product range, as well as its planning and design services, as well as a click-and-collect service.

Retail Gazette reports that 5,000 products will be on display, with 3,000 available for immediate purchase and the rest available to order. Fans of Ikea's meatballs will also be pleased to know that the mini stores will still also include food available for eating in and take away. 

The new stores will open in Harlow, Chester, and Norwich, on sites of former Homebase shops.

Peter Jelkeby, chief executive of Ikea UK and Ireland said: “We know many people want to shop with Ikea but in some instances we are just too far away. That’s why we are strategically expanding our UK footprint, with the aim of showing up in convenient, accessible locations for our customers. Centrally located in retail parks, our three new stores mark a major step forward in our expansion plan, making it easier than ever for customers in these areas to shop with us.”

“Harlow, Chester and Norwich have long been areas of interest to us, and we’re looking forward to bringing the very best of the Ikea experience in a refreshingly compact format to these communities later this year.”

Ikea has revealed the date its much anticipated Oxford Street store will open as May 1, while another city centre store will open in Brighton later this year.

The retailer said it had received 3,730 applications in just six days for the Oxford Street store – more than ten times the 150 available positions.

Chris Vince, MP for Harlow and the Villages, told Essex Live: "It's brilliant to see this investment in Harlow. I know many residents will be looking forward to it opening. I also welcome the new jobs IKEA will bring to the town."