Here’s a first look at Ikea’s newest outlet in Jem

Comprising three levels, customers will be able to get home furnishing inspiration from over 12 room settings, 16 vignettes, and two home set-ups that draw on actual living situations in Singapore (we heard that Ikea actually does its own market research based on annual house visits).

The levels are segregated according to each room of the home rather than products, so you’ll find everything you need, say, for your kitchen and living room on one level.

On that note, while you might find that it doesn’t carry the full product range because of space constraints, you’ll still be able to order them from the store or from the Ikea app.

New digital features have been incorporated into the new Ikea. Spot the beam projections and digital stands placed at various sections across the store — you can learn more about products without needing to seek assistance from staff members. These range from ones that offer mattress recommendations to ones that help you envision the various configurations of your furniture choice.

Staff members are also armed with tablets to assist you on the go, without needing to head to the Planning Station, although there will still be one on each level.

You’ll also find eight One-stop Kiosks around the store that offer access to platforms such as the Ikea Family sign-up and website, aid you in navigating the store or even check for product prices by scanning its barcode.

As part of its new digital solutions, you can now avoid jostling with those buying bulkier purchases and head to the cashless check-outs at each level.

There are even displays that show you the number of people in the queues at every level so you can head to other levels if the line gets too long.

Located on Level 4, the Ikea restaurant and bistro will offer the same delish fare that its sister outlets do, including Swedish meatballs and its crowd-favourite fried chicken wings and hot dogs.

The Swedish food market with its range of food, snacks, and beverages is located on the same level, next to the restaurant and bistro.

While you’re there, check out the cute interactive installation that the kids will have lots of fun with — this digital ‘colouring book’ is activated just by waving your hands or legs thanks to motion sensors and interactive media content.

As it’s housed in a mall, don’t expect the sprawling restaurant that you see in Ikea’s other stores.

But because it won’t be able to seat as many patrons, the retailer has piloted another concept – a ‘Click & Collect’ service where you can order your food via the app, and collect it at the designated counter before you arrive or for takeaway.

The ‘Click & Collect’ service, which Ikea’s first in Southeast Asia, will be available when the store opens on April 29.

And if you’ve ever lamented the need to queue in a long line just for ice cream, Ikea’s heard you.

It’s launched its first cashless ice-cream vending machine, which dispenses its classic vanilla flavour and a new dark chocolate ice cream. All you have to do is tap your debit and credit card on the card reader.

Sorry, no towering self-serve furniture areas (you know, the ones which serve as fodder for Instagram-worthy backdrops). They’ve now rebranded as ‘Small Furniture Pick-Up Areas’, located on each level.

Ikea Jurong is located at Jem shopping centre, #02-12/13/14, #03-15/16/17 & #04-20/21/22, and is open daily from 10am – 10pm. For more information, visit its website here.

This article was first published in Women’s Weekly.

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