KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — IKEA Malaysia has confirmed that its first store in East Malaysia will open its doors in Kuching this December, marking a significant expansion into Sarawak after years of serving the state solely through e-commerce and delivery.

IKEA Malaysia revealed that the new outlet will be the retailer's first small-format store, building on IKEA's existing e-commerce and fulfilment presence in the state. IKEA Kuching will become the company's fifth physical store in Malaysia, joining IKEA Damansara, IKEA Cheras, IKEA Tebrau and IKEA Batu Kawan.

Unlike the brand's larger existing outlets, IKEA Kuching will adopt a small-format concept designed around convenience, allowing customers to browse room settings and home furnishing solutions while taking select products home the same day.

Shoppers will still have access to the wider IKEA catalogue for purchase, even if not everything is available for immediate pickup.

“We have heard from our customers in Sarawak, and we are excited that IKEA Kuching will soon be ready to welcome them,” said Malcolm Pruys, country retail director at IKEA Malaysia.

“Our ambition has always been to create a better everyday life for the many people. IKEA Kuching brings us another step closer to doing that by making the IKEA experience more accessible and relevant to how people here live at home.”

IKEA Malaysia also confirmed it is beginning to build its Kuching-based team ahead of the opening.

The company will engage with the local community to build its workforce, with an emphasis on creating growth opportunities for local talent.