IKEA is expanding again in NC, adding a new format for a south Charlotte store

The popular Scandinavian ready-to-assemble furniture store IKEA is expanding in south Charlotte with a new store format that’s making its North Carolina debut.

IKEA’s plan and order store with pick-up will open in the summer at Promenade on Providence shopping center, 10844 Providence Road, the Sweden-based furniture retailer said in a news release Thursday.

Unlike traditional large-format IKEA stores, the leased 15,000-square-foot store will offer customers interior design planning with IKEA experts.

Don’t expect the popular meatballs and other foods near check-out however. The store will only offer items for delivery, IKEA said.

The showroom stores provide inspiration and ideas for homes or small businesses with free one-on-one consultation services, according to IKEA’s website.

The new store format, announced last month, is part of IKEA U.S.’s growth strategy “to meet customers where they are and how they like to shop.” Other locations are planned in Austin, Texas; Atlanta; and two stores in the Los Angeles area.

In 2009, IKEA opened its first and only Carolina store in north Charlotte. The 356,000-square-foot blue-and-yellow building is off Interstate 85 in University City and includes 50 room settings, three complete model homes, children’s play area and restaurant. The store has about 400 full- and part-time employees.

There are 375 IKEA stores in 30 countries , including 50 retail locations in the U.S.