Big changes are coming to one of Naperville's busiest shopping corridors.
IKEA has officially announced plans to relocate its longtime Bolingbrook store to Block 59 and Westridge Court in Naperville, bringing a new shopping experience to the Route 59 retail district.
The Swedish furniture retailer announced the move on October 6, 2026, with the new location expected to open in late 2027.
But this won't be another massive IKEA warehouse. Instead, the company is planning a smaller-format store designed around a more convenient, streamlined shopping experience.
For Naperville residents and shoppers throughout Chicago's western suburbs, the move represents another significant addition to an already growing retail and dining destination.
Where Will the New IKEA in Naperville Be Located?
The new IKEA will be part of the Westridge Court and Block 59 shopping district near Route 59 and Aurora Avenue.
Block 59 has been undergoing a major transformation, adding restaurants, gathering spaces, and entertainment options intended to make the area more than a traditional shopping center.
The new IKEA is planned approximately eight miles from the existing Bolingbrook location.
Its placement within the Route 59 corridor will put the retailer near an established collection of restaurants, shops, and entertainment destinations.
For shoppers who already visit Block 59, IKEA could become another reason to spend time in the district.
How Big Will the New Naperville IKEA Be?
The biggest difference between the two locations will be their size.
The current Bolingbrook IKEA occupies approximately 317,000 square feet across two stories.
According to local reporting and redevelopment site plans, the proposed Naperville location is approximately 97,000 square feet, making it substantially smaller than the existing store.
Rather than duplicating the large warehouse-style layout, IKEA plans to offer a more curated shopping experience.
The company has described the new concept as one that makes efficient use of its space while highlighting products and home solutions relevant to nearby communities.
The smaller footprint is part of IKEA's broader strategy of bringing stores closer to where customers already shop and spend time.
What Will Shoppers Find Inside the New IKEA?
Although IKEA has not released every detail about the store's final layout, several features have already been announced.
The Naperville location is expected to include a selection of furniture, home accessories, and room inspiration designed for everyday living.
Shoppers can also look forward to two familiar IKEA food offerings:
Swedish Food Market: A place to shop for Swedish-inspired food products and take-home favorites.
Swedish Deli: A food option that will bring some of IKEA's recognizable Swedish flavors to the smaller location.
The new concept is intended to provide a convenient shopping experience without requiring customers to navigate a much larger store.
However, IKEA has not yet confirmed the complete in-store product assortment or which services will be available at the Naperville location.
What Happens to the IKEA Store in Bolingbrook?
For longtime IKEA shoppers, the biggest question may be what happens to the existing Bolingbrook store.
The Bolingbrook IKEA opened in 2005 and has served customers throughout the southwestern and western suburbs for more than two decades.
Under the announced relocation plan, the Bolingbrook store will remain open until late 2027.
The new Naperville location is also scheduled to open in late 2027, although exact opening and closing dates have not been announced.
That means customers can continue shopping at the Bolingbrook location while the Naperville store is being prepared.
The move represents a relocation rather than the addition of a second IKEA store in the immediate area.
How IKEA Fits Into Block 59's Growing Development
Block 59 has become one of the more noticeable redevelopment projects along Naperville's Route 59 corridor.
Developed by Brixmor Property Group, the shopping and entertainment district has been evolving into a destination where residents can shop, dine, and spend time with friends and family.
The area features restaurants and businesses such as Yard House, The Cheesecake Factory, Lazy Dog Restaurant, Shake Shack, CAVA, and other dining destinations.
Additional development is also underway.
Brixmor has announced a second phase that includes two restaurant buildings totaling approximately 22,000 square feet.
The arrival of IKEA would add a major home-furnishings retailer to the district's existing mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
According to Brixmor, Westridge Court and Block 59 together attract nearly seven million visits annually.
That existing customer activity helps explain why the area could be attractive to a retailer looking for a smaller, more accessible location.
Why Is IKEA Choosing Naperville?
IKEA's relocation reflects changing shopping habits and the growth of communities along the Bolingbrook-Naperville corridor.
Rather than relying exclusively on large destination stores, IKEA has been introducing smaller locations in shopping districts that customers already frequent.
The company has pointed to the convenience of the Naperville location and its proximity to growing population centers.
For shoppers, the smaller-format concept could make it easier to stop in while running errands, visiting nearby restaurants, or exploring the area.
The Naperville store is also expected to complement IKEA's larger Schaumburg location, which will remain another option for customers in the Chicago suburbs.
Why It Matters for Naperville Residents
The announcement is significant for several reasons.
First, IKEA is a nationally recognized retailer with a customer base that extends well beyond Naperville.
Its arrival could introduce additional shopping activity to the Route 59 corridor and support the area's continued evolution as a regional destination.
Second, the relocation adds another major retail component to the Block 59 redevelopment.
The district has already attracted attention for its expanding restaurant lineup and entertainment offerings. Adding a furniture and home-goods retailer could encourage shoppers to combine several activities into one visit.
Finally, the move demonstrates how established shopping centers can adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Rather than building another enormous standalone store, IKEA is choosing a more compact location within an active commercial district.
What Could IKEA's Move Mean for Naperville Real Estate?
Retail development is one of the factors that can influence how residents and prospective homebuyers view a community.
Access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, parks, and other everyday conveniences often plays a role in choosing where to live.
Naperville already offers a strong mix of established neighborhoods, commercial corridors, recreational amenities, and transportation connections.
The continued redevelopment of Block 59 adds to the range of destinations available to residents, particularly those living near the Route 59 corridor.
However, the arrival of IKEA should not be interpreted as a guarantee of higher home values.
Its more immediate significance is the continued investment in local retail infrastructure and the convenience it may provide to nearby households.
For people considering a move to Naperville, developments like Block 59 are worth watching as part of the community's broader growth.
FAQs
When will IKEA open in Naperville?
IKEA expects its new Naperville store to open in late 2027. An exact opening date has not been announced.
Where will the new Naperville IKEA be located?
The store is planned for the Westridge Court and Block 59 shopping district near Route 59 and Aurora Avenue in Naperville.
Is the Bolingbrook IKEA closing?
Yes. IKEA plans to close its Bolingbrook location as part of the relocation to Naperville. The Bolingbrook store is expected to remain open until late 2027.
Will the Naperville IKEA be smaller than the Bolingbrook store?
Yes. Redevelopment plans indicate a store of approximately 97,000 square feet, compared with the current Bolingbrook location's approximately 317,000 square feet.
Will the new IKEA have Swedish food?
Yes. IKEA has announced plans for a Swedish Food Market and Swedish Deli at the Naperville location.
Final Thoughts
IKEA's move from Bolingbrook to Naperville is another major development for the western suburbs.
With a smaller-format store planned for late 2027, the company is adapting its shopping experience while joining one of Naperville's most active retail and entertainment districts.
For local residents, the new IKEA could provide another convenient destination for home furnishings, design inspiration, and Swedish food favorites.
And for Naperville, the announcement adds to the momentum surrounding Block 59 and the continued redevelopment of the Route 59 corridor.
As construction and relocation plans progress, more details about the store's opening date, layout, and shopping experience are expected to emerge.
For more updates on new businesses, community developments, and real estate across Chicago's western suburbs, stay connected with Living Chicago Suburbs.
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