IKEA Townlet / Target Townlet

It is interesting to speculate on the integration of other big box retailers with The Townlet.  Each company's business practices and values are different, but I think they may share many of the same challenges.  The effects of the digital retail revolution and access to urban markets may be mitigated by an IKEA Townlet or a Target Townlet.

IKEA is an international big box retailer who has started developing real estate. IKEA and The Townlet share many values and ideals.  Great design, affordability, spatial efficiency, prefabrication and simplicity make the IKEA Townlet a logical extension of IKEA business lines.  It is technically feasible to design an entire Townlet as “prefabricated flatpack” that is trucked onto the site and erected by semi-skilled workmen.  Obviously, furnishings would be provided by IKEA.  A typical IKEA is about 300,000 square feet, can be two story and has maybe ten departments compared to ninety six for Walmart.  Each department sets the character of the square that it defines and provides a realistic setting for product development and marketing.  Bridges have been added to create the IKEA path through each department.  Ten two story departments for IKEA may be organized as shown below.

A Target Townlet may be similar to the Walmart idea, however, Target's emphasis on quality, affordable design presents interesting possibilities.  Target stores range in size from 55,000 to 175,000 square feet with some two story stores.  The two story City Target at 55,000 square feet could easily fit in a Townlet to serve as the General Store and provide an anchor for small entrepreneurs as shown below.