First 'bite-sized' IKEA store opens in San Marcos

IKEA opened a new small-format location off SH-80 in San Marcos on Wednesday, offering a new experience for shoppers at the home goods and furniture store. The scaled-down version of IKEA resides in a single-story, 35,000-square-foot space and offers a range of the retailer's classic offerings, including couches, accent chairs, lighting fixtures, and dishware.

"It's still the same IKEA experience, just bite-sized," store manager Lindsey Janette said.

Approximately 1,800 products are available for immediate purchase, according to Janette, allowing customers to walk out of the store with their purchases on the same day. The whole store catalogue can be ordered for home delivery or scheduled for in-store pickup.

"We knew our customers wanted a faster, easier experience to shop through our stores, so we created this new format," Janette said.

The grand opening event also included a DJ, giveaways, and a live performance from the San Marcos High School Mariachi band.

In a written statement, IKEA said the new location will focus on 'local living' solutions and offer a pared-down menu of the brand's Swedish food items.

Three more Texas small-format IKEA stores are in the works, with plans to open two in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and one in the Rio Grande Valley within the next year.

Where is the new IKEA in San Marcos?

The store is situated between IKEA's larger flagship stores in Austin and San Antonio, conveniently located on I-35 at 917 TX-80.

The new San Marcos IKEA will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.