As rumoured previously, Sarawak is set to welcome its first-ever physical IKEA store as IKEA Malaysia officially announced that IKEA Kuching will open in December 2026.
This marks a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion into East Malaysia.
The upcoming outlet will become IKEA Malaysia’s first physical store in East Malaysia and will introduce a new small-format retail concept that differs from the company’s larger stores currently operating in Peninsular Malaysia.
The announcement was made on August 24, with IKEA stating that the exact opening date will be revealed in the coming months.
IKEA Kuching brings the brand closer to Sarawak
For years, customers in Sarawak have relied primarily on IKEA’s East Malaysia online shopping platform and collection services to purchase selected products.
With the opening of IKEA Kuching, shoppers will soon be able to experience IKEA’s home furnishing inspiration, product displays and retail environment in person without travelling to Peninsular Malaysia.
According to IKEA Malaysia, the new store represents another step in making well-designed and functional home furnishing solutions more accessible to customers in Sarawak while strengthening the company’s presence in East Malaysia.
A smaller format with the complete IKEA experience
Unlike the four larger IKEA stores currently operating in Malaysia, IKEA Kuching will feature a compact small-format concept designed around convenience and accessibility.
Visitors will be able to explore inspiring room settings, browse practical home furnishing solutions and purchase selected products for immediate takeaway.
At the same time, customers will also have access to a wider range of IKEA products available for ordering through the store’s integrated shopping experience.
The concept is intended to cater to different household needs, whether customers are looking to refresh a single room, improve storage solutions or furnish an entire home.
Designed around how Kuching families live
It is also understood that one of the distinctive elements behind IKEA Kuching is the company’s research into local lifestyles.
Before planning the store, IKEA Malaysia conducted household visits in Kuching to better understand how families use their living spaces and the everyday challenges they face at home.
The company found that family togetherness, hospitality and multifunctional living and dining spaces are important characteristics of homes in Kuching.
Storage and organisation were also identified as common concerns among households, particularly in making spaces more practical and efficient for everyday living.
Building on IKEA’s existing East Malaysia presence
Although IKEA has not previously operated a walk-in store in East Malaysia, the company already serves customers across Sabah and Sarawak through its dedicated East Malaysia online platform and fulfilment services.
Kuching currently has an official IKEA collection point where customers can collect online purchases.
The physical store will complement these existing services by providing a retail destination where customers can experience products and home furnishing ideas directly.
Rumours about IKEA Kuching
IKEA Kuching is rumoured to be opening at Pines Square Mall Batu Kawa with IKEA Kuching taking up about 3,500 square meters.
It is also rumoured that IKEA will share the mall with local hypermarket, Goceli.
Based on job openings listed by IKEA Malaysia, IKEA Kuching is also looking to hire IKEA Food Leader and Food Associates making it very possible that the store will also be bringing the brands famous IKEA Swedish meatballs to Sarawak’s shores.
With December not too far away, IKEA’s iconic colours of blue and yellow will likely giveaway the exact location of the Swedish furniture brand and therefore build more excitement towards the opening of IKEA’s first ever East Malaysia physical store.
