Hopping on the bike to go furniture shopping might seem like an ambitious undertaking, but Ikea is challenging the notion that cars are a necessary part of this equation.
It's a challenge that will be readily accepted in Copenhagen, a city where only around one third of households own a car.
The company has opened a three-story department store in the city centre, which prioritises bike parking and public transport access – and puts cars at the back of the queue.
The building features direct access to the adjacent Dybbølsbro train station and 500 bike parking spaces, 55 specifically for cargo bikes. Electric cargo bikes are also available for buyers to borrow.
Today a new ‘city’ @ikea opened in Copenhagen. We’re thrilled about a new store with hundreds of parking spots for bikes, free cargo bikes and close to 0 for cars, but even more-so about the rooftop park with a magnificent view to some of the city’s best bike infrastructure ♥️ pic.twitter.com/akQPkouB4S
— Cycling Embassy of 🇩🇰Denmark (@CyclingEmbassy) August 16, 2023
Any purchases customers are unable to transport themselves can be delivered directly to their homes.
Car parking is available, but at a price, limited to 80 spaces, and 11 of those are for electric cars.
The new Copenhagen store follows a similar bike-friendly Ikea, which was opened in Vienna 2020 without car parking and also encouraged customers to take their goods on bikes and public transport.