If you’ve ever found yourself weaving through the maze of flat-pack furniture, meatballs, and tealight candles at IKEA, only to realise you’ve missed the window for picking up your online order, you’re not alone.
For many of us, especially those juggling work, family, and the odd grandchild sleepover, the traditional shopping hours just don’t cut it.
But IKEA Australia has just announced a game-changer that could make your next shopping experience a whole lot easier—and a lot more flexible.
Introducing pick-up lockers: Convenience on your schedule
IKEA’s Rhodes store in Sydney is now home to a brand-new service: pick-up lockers. These aren’t your average parcel lockers.
With 54 lockers located near the existing ‘click and collect’ area, you can now collect your IKEA order at a time that suits you—whether that’s before the sun rises or after the grandkids have gone to bed.
The lockers are accessible from 3 am until midnight, seven days a week.
That’s a whopping 21 hours a day to fit your shopping around your life, not the other way around.
How does it work?
The process is refreshingly simple. When placing your order online, through the IKEA app, via remote shopping, or even in-store, just select the ‘pick-up locker’ option.
Once your order is ready, you’ll receive an email with a unique PIN. Pop down to the Rhodes store at your convenience, enter your code, and voilà—your flat-pack dreams are ready to go.
There are a few size restrictions (after all, you can’t fit a three-seater sofa in a locker—yet), but if your order is too large, IKEA will contact you to arrange a standard ‘click and collect’ pick-up instead.
What does it cost?
Here’s some good news for IKEA Family members: the pick-up locker service is free, just like the regular ‘click and collect’.
If you’re not a member, it’ll set you back $5—a small price for the convenience of shopping on your own terms.
And if you’re not already an IKEA Family member, signing up is free and comes with a host of other perks, from discounts to special offers.
Why does this matter?
Let’s face it: as we get older, convenience becomes king. Whether you’re downsizing, helping the kids furnish their first home, or just in the market for a new Billy bookcase, the ability to pick up your order outside of standard hours is a real boon.
No more rushing through traffic or rearranging your day to fit in a store visit. Plus, for those who prefer to avoid crowds, early morning or late-night pick-ups offer a quieter, more relaxed experience.
A sign of things to come?
Michael Davey-Sutherland, Fulfilment Development Manager at IKEA Australia, says the company is always looking for ways to make shopping more convenient and accessible.
‘We’re excited to be able to give our Sydney customers the opportunity to now pick up their orders with one quick stop at any time that suits them,’ he says.
If the Rhodes trial is a success, expect to see these lockers popping up at more IKEA stores across Australia.
The bigger picture: Retail’s shift to flexibility
IKEA’s move is part of a broader trend in retail, as stores adapt to the changing needs of customers.
With more of us shopping online and expecting flexible options, services like pick-up lockers are likely to become the norm rather than the exception.
For older Australians, this means more control over when and how you shop, without sacrificing the tactile joy of picking up your purchases in person.
Have your say
Have you tried IKEA’s new pick-up lockers, or would you use them if they came to your local store? Do you think more retailers should offer flexible pick-up options? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your comments below and join the conversation with the community!
Also read: IKEA celebrates 50 years with free tasty treats—find out how to claim yours
