IKEA Relocates Bolingbrook Store to Naperville in Smaller Format

IKEA plans to close its Bolingbrook store and open a smaller outlet in Naperville’s Block 59 development. This decision aligns with customer trends in the Bolingbrook-Naperville corridor, according to Sam Gravina, IKEA’s Chicago metro market manager. The move aims to bring IKEA closer to growing population hubs while maintaining access for current Bolingbrook shoppers.

The existing 317,000-square-foot Bolingbrook store will stay open until late 2027, coinciding with the opening of the new store in Naperville. The Naperville location will be just eight miles from the current store, situated off Boughton Road near Interstate 355.

This new format represents a shift from IKEA’s traditionally large stores. Specific details about the exact location on Route 59, the offerings, and the store size remain under wraps. However, Gravina assures the new location will deliver the familiar IKEA experience with a focus on “local living” solutions, tailored to the community’s specific needs.

The Naperville store will support the larger Schaumburg location, about 30 minutes away, despite its smaller size. Offerings will include a Swedish Deli and Food Market, featuring the brand’s well-known meatballs.

Gravina notes IKEA’s strategy involves opening new format stores in busy shopping areas, ensuring easier access for customers. An example is a planned small store in Gurnee, projected to be approximately 66,000 square feet, which came with a $2 million incentive from the village. This store is anticipated to generate $2.9 million in sales tax over six years.

Across the U.S., IKEA has already launched small-format stores in locations like Culver City, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, though some, like the San Marcos, Texas store, closed within a year. Recent closures also include three specialized stores in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Naperville anticipates that IKEA’s presence will boost local home goods and furniture sales. Mayor Scott Wehrli indicated this sector has been trailing other economic areas in Naperville. In the previous year, Naperville’s furniture and electronics sales increased by 30.3%, reaching $257 million, though still behind Glenview and Schaumburg.

During a city council meeting, Brixmor Property Group proposed a $1.85 million tax incentive to attract a home goods retailer to Block 59 Business District, which was granted. This district, established in 2023, assesses a 1% sales tax to support infrastructure development.

Rich Dippolito from Brixmor mentioned potential tenants for the district but did not confirm IKEA’s involvement as the retailer qualifying for the tax incentive.