Queues formed outside IKEA's new Chester store on Thursday morning (9 October) ahead of its official opening.

Located at the former Homebase site in the Greyhound Retail Park, the small store reflects a new format for the business.

Describing the first few hours as 'absolutely crazy', Andy MacGregor, unit manager for IKEA Chester, highlighted the strong planning that had gone on behind the scenes.

On Thursday, he told Chester Nub News: "This morning has been absolutely crazy, we had a massive snake queue with people coming in.

The Swedish Bite offers a selection of food for those wanting to eat in or takeaway (Nub News)

"It has been busy from the get-go but the whole day has been really well organised, with a really positive reception from people as well."

Developed to be significantly faster and more cost-effective to open than traditional IKEA stores, there has been discussion regarding the store's smaller than average size.

Andy explained how being 'closer to people's doorstep' is key to the new format.

He added: "We are a smaller format, however, we're an omni-channel retailer.

Being 'closer to people's doorstep' is key to the new 'small store' format (Nub News)

"What that means is even though you can't pick up everything today, everything's available for click and collect within two days.

"If you're a family member that's free as well, so you can shop the whole range via click and collect. 

"It's all really positive. We're closer to people's doorstep and that's the main thing."

A large number of IKEA Chester's staff are local, with all workers receiving training in Warrington ahead of its official opening.

The Chester store features room sets, second-hand finds, kitchens, a wide range of home furnishings and take home small furniture items the same day.

The Chester store features room sets, second-hand finds, kitchens and a wide range of home furnishings (Nub News)

Other key features include a showroom and market hall - featuring home furnishing accessories and limited-edition seasonal ranges.

There is also online access to the full IKEA range, with the option of home delivery or free collection in 48 hours. Planning services for kitchens and bedroom storage can also be found in store.

The Swedish Bite offers a selection of food for those wanting to eat in at the food court, or take away.

IKEA Chester is open Monday to Saturday 10am – 8pm and Sundays 10:30am - 4:30pm.