At FinancialMediaGuide, we note that IKEA continues its strategic transformation, doubling down on technology and digital innovation. The Swedish retailer announced the acquisition of U.S.-based logistics technology company Locus, which specializes in artificial intelligence–driven delivery optimization. This move effectively opens a new era in IKEA’s supply chain management and becomes a cornerstone of its broader push to strengthen online operations, particularly in the U.S. market.
According to the company, integrating Locus’ AI solutions will save IKEA up to €100 million annually by streamlining logistics and reducing delivery costs. The Locus system uses artificial intelligence to design routes that minimize travel time and expenses – tasks previously handled manually by IKEA’s employees. Parag Parekh, Chief Digital Officer at Ingka Group, said in an interview that adopting Locus technology will not only accelerate deliveries but also enhance flexibility by offering customers more time slots and live order tracking.
At FinancialMediaGuide, we view this step as part of Ingka Group’s broader investment strategy, which includes a $2.2 billion expansion plan in the United States. IKEA’s goal is not only to boost sales but to strengthen its market position amid growing competition from Wayfair and Walmart, while also offsetting the impact of rising import tariffs.
While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, Locus was last valued at approximately $300 million during its 2021 funding round. The company’s previous investors included GIC, Alpha Wave, Tiger Global, and Qualcomm Ventures. Following the acquisition, Locus will remain operationally independent and continue working with other clients—a move consistent with IKEA’s strategy to preserve innovation and flexibility.
For IKEA, the Locus deal is more than just a technological integration – it represents a redefinition of its business model. Over the past five years, the company has shifted its focus away from traditional large suburban stores toward e-commerce and smaller city-center showrooms. Online sales now account for 28% of total retail revenue, up from 11% in 2019, underscoring the company’s successful digital expansion.
At FinancialMediaGuide, we note that the acquisition of Locus perfectly aligns with IKEA’s ongoing expansion in the United States. Just a week before the deal, Ingka Investments purchased a Manhattan building for $213 million, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the American market. Despite the tariff barriers introduced by Donald Trump’s administration, IKEA remains focused on long-term growth and market consolidation.
At FinancialMediaGuide, we see this not merely as a technological investment, but as a strategic bet on the future of global retail. Locus strengthens IKEA’s ability to remain competitive in an era where speed, precision, and transparency in delivery define customer loyalty.
Our forecast: over the next few years, IKEA will continue investing in automation and AI-driven logistics, building an integrated ecosystem where delivery becomes a seamless part of the customer experience. This strategy will not only accelerate the company’s online growth but also solidify its position as a global leader in retail innovation.
