IKEA Opens First Alabama Store in Huntsville, Expanding U.S. Footprint in 2026
IKEA, the world-renowned Swedish retailer of affordable home furnishings, will launch its first Alabama store in Huntsville in early 2026, marking a key milestone in its U.S. expansion. This new location strengthens IKEA’s national presence while bringing stylish, budget-friendly home solutions to Alabama residents.
Strategic Location in Huntsville
The new IKEA store will be situated at University Place Shopping Center, 6125 University Place Dr., Huntsville, Alabama. Located on University Drive near Research Park Boulevard, the store offers easy access via I-565, close to MidCity and Bridge Street Town Centre. This prime spot ensures convenience for Huntsville shoppers and visitors from across the Southeast.
The Huntsville location aligns with IKEA’s strategy to reach underserved U.S. markets, delivering sustainable, functional, and affordable home furnishings to a broader audience.
Huntsville’s IKEA Journey: From Anticipation to Reality
Huntsville has long desired an IKEA store, ranking it among the city’s top retail priorities since 2011. Rumors surfaced in July 2025 via a social media post referencing an IKEA support bot, hinting at a forthcoming Huntsville store. IKEA’s confirmation now fulfills years of local anticipation, positioning Huntsville as a key hub for the brand’s southern U.S. growth.
What to Expect at IKEA Huntsville
Spanning 46,000 square feet, IKEA Huntsville will feature over 5,000 products displayed in fully furnished room settings. Shoppers can take home more than 2,000 items immediately, while larger items like sofas, beds, or the full IKEA catalog are available for online ordering with free in-store pickup or paid home delivery. Nationwide online shoppers can select Huntsville as a pickup point for eligible orders.
A dedicated planning hub will offer personalized design consultations for kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and small-space living. The “As-Is” section will provide discounted, gently used, or discontinued items for budget-conscious shoppers.
The store’s Swedish dining area will serve iconic meatballs, plant-based options, hot dogs, veggie dogs, cinnamon buns, and more, available for in-store dining or take-home.
Boosting Huntsville and National Retail
The Huntsville store will create local jobs and drive economic growth in Alabama while reinforcing IKEA’s commitment to expanding its U.S. footprint. As part of its southern strategy, IKEA may open more stores, enhancing competition in the home furnishings market and offering affordable options nationwide.
IKEA Huntsville opens in early 2026, promising a blend of style, functionality, and value for Alabama and beyond.
