Ikea has opened a new 'plan and order point' in Drogheda with several more planned to open in Ireland this year.

The furnishing and homeware group said the focus in these stores would be on bespoke kitchen and wardrobe designs, but customers can find assistance in planning any room in their home.

Products can be ordered in store to be delivered to the customer's home or a location of their choice, and customers will also be able to book an appointment to design their kitchen or bedroom with a planning specialist, or use self-service tools to do it themselves.

“Our investment in Plan and Order Points is part of our long-term plan to transform our retail business, making it easier for our customers in Ireland to enjoy what Ikea offers using a number of convenient ways," said Martyn Allen, market manager at Ikea Ireland.

"Our store in Ballymun together with our service offers and digital solutions all complement each other, enabling us to be there for our customers, however they want to meet us. Ikea is committed to growing and investing in Ireland and the opening of these Plan and Order Points are just one part of this expansion.”

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The store at Scotch Hall shopping centre in Drogheda is the third plan and order point to open in Ireland in the past 12 months after the ones in Naas and St Stephen's Green.

A Cork plan and order point is scheduled to open later in 2023 while a fourth store in Portlaoise is planned to open by the end of the year.

"We look forward to announcing more of these Points which will be located in retail parks and shopping centres over the next 12 months," Allen said.

Ikea Ireland grew turnover 7.8% to €191m in the 12 months to the end of August 2021, with operating profit static at €4.5m. Payroll was €43.9 for 650 shop and warehouse staff and 49 managers, and €3m was paid in dividends to its Swedish parent.

Ikea's megastore in Ballymun was the most popular Ikea store in terms of turnover out of 378 stores worldwide following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in May 2021.

The company plans to open its first distribution centre in Ireland this year to allow for quicker deliveries, and it is reportedly seeking to add another large store here.

(Pic: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland)