IKEA Kuching Set To Open In December, Bringing First IKEA Store To East Malaysia
The new small-format store will bring IKEA’s home furnishing inspiration, products and expertise closer to customers in Sarawak.
- IKEA Kuching, set to open in December 2026, will be IKEA Malaysia's first store in East Malaysia and its first small-format outlet.
- The store's design is informed by research into Kuching households, focusing on family living, togetherness, storage and organisation needs.
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IKEA Malaysia is set to open IKEA Kuching in December, marking the Swedish furniture giant’s first store in East Malaysia and bringing its shopping experience closer to customers in Sarawak.
The new outlet will also be IKEA Malaysia’s first small-format store, offering a more compact and convenient way for customers to explore its home furnishing solutions.
The announcement comes as IKEA continues to build on its existing presence in East Malaysia through e-commerce and fulfilment services.
According to IKEA Malaysia Country Retail Director Malcolm Pruys, the company has been listening to customers in Sarawak and wants the new store to make the IKEA experience more accessible and relevant to how people in the region live.
“Our ambition has always been to create a better everyday life for the many people,” Pruys said.
A smaller store, but the same IKEA experience
Unlike IKEA’s four larger stores currently operating in Malaysia, IKEA Kuching will adopt a small-format concept designed around convenience.
Customers will be able to browse inspiring room settings, home furnishing solutions and selected products that can be taken home on the day, while also having access to a wider range of IKEA products available for purchase.
The format is intended to make it easier for shoppers to move from getting inspiration to finding practical solutions — whether they are looking to make a small improvement to their home, planning a room or furnishing an entire house.
IKEA wants to understand how Kuching lives
Ahead of the opening, IKEA said it spent time learning about how people in Kuching live, including visiting local households to better understand their everyday needs and challenges.
The company found that homes in Kuching are strongly shaped by family, togetherness and hospitality.
Living and dining areas often serve multiple purposes, from everyday family activities to hosting extended family and friends. Storage and organisation were also identified as common challenges in both landed and high-rise homes.
Pruys said IKEA wants customers to see elements of their own lives reflected in the new store, with solutions aimed at helping families make better use of their spaces and stay organised.
More opportunities for local talent
The upcoming opening will also see IKEA Malaysia begin engaging with the Kuching community as it builds its team of co-workers.
The company said it will focus on creating opportunities for local talent to grow with IKEA and play a role in bringing the brand’s experience to customers in Sarawak.
IKEA Kuching is expected to open to the public in December 2026, although the exact opening date and further details about the store are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The new outlet will become IKEA Malaysia’s fifth physical store, joining IKEA Damansara, IKEA Cheras, IKEA Tebrau and IKEA Batu Kawan.
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