IKEA plans to close its Bolingbrook store and open a smaller store within Naperville’s Block 59 development. Sam Gravina, Chicago metro market manager for IKEA, explains that this shift aligns with customer behavior along the Bolingbrook-Naperville corridor. The relocation aims to bring IKEA closer to growing population centers while maintaining convenience for Bolingbrook customers.
The current 317,000-square-foot Bolingbrook store will remain operational until late 2027, aligning with the anticipated launch of the new Naperville location. This site will be eight miles from the Bolingbrook store off Boughton Road, near Interstate 355.
Naperville’s new IKEA reflects a smaller format, differing from the large stores IKEA is known for. Although exact details remain undisclosed, Gravina states the store will meet market needs while maintaining the inspiration and functionality IKEA provides.
The new store will optimize space, providing local living solutions tailored to community needs and lifestyles. It is designed to complement IKEA’s Schaumburg flagship, positioned about 30 minutes from Naperville.
Despite its smaller size, the new store will feature a Swedish Deli and Food Market, continuing to offer IKEA’s iconic meatballs. Gravina notes that the concept of smaller format stores is part of a national trend, with locations already planned or opened in Gurnee, California, and Arizona. Challenges exist, as seen in the closure of the San Marcos, Texas store, and planned closures in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
This move could boost Naperville’s home goods and furniture sales. Mayor Scott Wehrli highlighted a lagging performance in these sectors compared to others within the city’s economy. Last year, Naperville’s furniture and electronic sales reached $257 million, showing a 30.3% rise over the previous year, but still trailing behind cities like Glenview and Schaumburg.
In June, Brixmor Property Group requested a $1.85 million tax incentive from the Naperville City Council to attract a home goods/furniture retailer to Block 59, which was approved. This extension to the business district seeks to redevelop Brixmor-owned properties such as Westridge Court and the Block 59 complex.
A special 1% tax on sales within the district helps cover new development infrastructure costs. Although IKEA’s connection to this tax incentive was unclear at the time, businesses like Discovery Clothing Co. and Going, Going, Gone! were relocated to accommodate the new tenant.