Huntsville, Alabama, August 12, 2025
News Summary
IKEA has announced plans to open its first Alabama location in early 2026 at the University Place Shopping Center in Huntsville. The store will feature over 5,000 products across 46,000 square feet, making it smaller than typical IKEA stores. It will offer a range of products for immediate takeaway, along with online ordering and delivery options. Customers can also enjoy Swedish food offerings on-site. This long-anticipated store has been a popular request among local residents for many years.
Huntsville to Host Alabama’s First IKEA Store by 2026
IKEA has confirmed plans to open its first location in Alabama in early 2026, situated in Huntsville at the University Place Shopping Center, located at 6125 University Place Drive. This upcoming store will property more than 46,000 square feet, considerably smaller than the usual IKEA stores, which typically range from 275,000 to 350,000 square feet. The specifics regarding the store’s format remain uncertain, with speculation regarding whether it will function as a smaller store or a Click & Collect center akin to its Birmingham location.
A representative from Colliers, which confirmed the lease for IKEA, stated that further details about the store format are not yet available. Interest in an IKEA store in Huntsville has been present since 2011, with the brand consistently ranking as a preferred retailer among local residents.
Store Offerings and Design Features
The Huntsville location will showcase more than 5,000 products within fully furnished room settings, including a curated selection of over 2,000 items available for immediate takeaway. Larger items, such as sofas and beds, will be available for order online, with options for free in-store pickup or home delivery for a fee.
Customers shopping online can select the Huntsville store as their pickup point during checkout for qualifying orders. Additionally, the store will feature a central planning area, providing personalized design consultations for kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and small spaces. A variety of Swedish food options, including meatballs, veggie dogs, and cinnamon buns, will be available for customers to enjoy on-site or take home.
The store will also incorporate an “As-Is” department, offering gently used products, discontinued items, and a range of affordable furnishings.
Background and Expansion Plans
The decision to open a store in Huntsville comes after persistent speculation, especially following July 2024 rumors triggered by social media discussions regarding an interaction with an IKEA help bot. Company representatives have indicated that IKEA is actively pursuing expansion opportunities across the United States to better satisfy customer demands.
Previously, the company made attempts to establish stores in other Southern cities, including Nashville and Raleigh, but those initiatives were canceled in 2018. The excitement around the announcement of a store in Huntsville reflects a long-standing desire for an IKEA presence in the area, fulfilling a gap in local retail.
Key Features of the Upcoming Store
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | University Place Shopping Center, 6125 University Place Dr., Huntsville, AL |
| Size | 46,000 square feet |
| Product Offerings | 5,000 products, 2,000 available for immediate takeaway |
| Delivery Options | Free in-store pickup, home delivery available for a fee |
| Planning Area | Personalized design consultations for kitchens, bedrooms, and more |
| Food Offerings | Swedish meatballs, veggie dogs, cinnamon buns |
| As-Is Department | Gently used products, discontinued items, affordable furnishings |
FAQ
When will the IKEA store in Huntsville open?
The IKEA store in Huntsville is scheduled to open in early 2026.
What is the size of the new IKEA store?
The store will cover just over 46,000 square feet, smaller than typical full-sized IKEA stores.
What types of products will be available?
The store will feature over 5,000 products with more than 2,000 items available for immediate takeaway.
Will there be food options available?
Yes, customers can enjoy various Swedish food offerings, including meatballs, veggie dogs, and cinnamon buns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
IKEA to Open First Store in Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville Home Sales Decline Below Last Year’s Figures
University of Alabama Enhances Campus Mobility and Safety
Potential IKEA Store Sparks Interest in Huntsville
Family in Crisis Over Mistaken Deportation
Additional Resources
- AL.com: IKEA is Coming to Alabama
- Wikipedia: IKEA
- Hville Blast: IKEA Leases New Space in Huntsville
- Google Search: IKEA Huntsville Store
- AL.com: Is IKEA Coming to Alabama?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: IKEA
- Retail Dive: IKEA’s Expansion Plans
- Google News: IKEA New Stores 2025
- USA Today: IKEA New Stores Locations
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
