What: IKEA launches 24/7 collection lockers for bulky items at select Tesco stores in the UK.

Why it is important: It demonstrates the evolving nature of retail partnerships and last-mile delivery solutions in the furniture industry. A new idea for department stores?

IKEA is trialling new 24/7 collection lockers at three Tesco stores in the UK, located in Dereham, Cambridge, and Werrington. These lockers, available to IKEA customers within a 100km radius, can accommodate furniture of almost all sizes across 35 differently sized compartments. Customers can collect their orders, including bulky items, at any time, with same-day pickup available for orders placed before 6:30 am.

This initiative builds upon IKEA's existing partnership with Tesco, which already includes about 100 mobile pick-up points across the UK, with plans to add another 100. The new lockers offer greater flexibility compared to the mobile pick-up points, which are limited to two daily time slots.

IKEA UK's Jakob Bertilsson emphasized that this trial is part of the company's strategy to become closer to customers and improve accessibility. Tesco's Simon Williams highlighted the success of their existing partnership and expressed hope for the new lockers' positive reception. The Werrington location is already operational, with the other two sites set to open soon.

Ikea is piloting ‘next generation’ lockers in a tie-up with Tesco