During January–March 2026, Lahti recorded the fourth-highest population increase in absolute numbers and the third-highest growth rate among Finland’s large cities.
Recent major investment news includes the construction of Fazer’s chocolate factory and DayOne’s data centre, as well as the decision by Clarion to locate a hotel in Paavola. More recently, TikTok announced a principal tenant agreement for the data centre, and packaging manufacturer Wipak decided to relocate production from the Netherlands to Nastola, Lahti.
The latest addition is the global furniture and home furnishing company IKEA, which will open its new-format store in the Laune district of Lahti.
– We are proud that Lahti has been chosen as the first city in Finland to pilot this new IKEA store concept, says Mayor of Lahti, Niko Kyynäräinen.
The store’s selection will include around 2,000 of IKEA’s most popular products, readily available for customers to purchase and take home directly during their visit.
– IKEA opened its first department store in Finland 30 years ago. A growing city like Lahti is an excellent location for a new store. We are excited and delighted to bring the familiar IKEA experience within reach of even more people in Finland. In Lahti, we want to explore how this new type of IKEA store allows us to be closer to our customers and potentially serve other locations with a similar format in the future, says Cas Lachaert, CEO of IKEA Finland.
The IKEA store in Lahti will be established in existing retail premises, enabling it to open its doors to customers shortly after the coming summer. The store, covering more than 2,500 square metres, will be located in the Maili shopping centre and is expected to employ around 20 people.
Currently, IKEA operates five department stores in Finland, located in Espoo, Vantaa, Raisio, Tampere and Kuopio.
What is the recipe for Lahti’s success?
According to Mayor Kyynäräinen, Lahti is known for its long history in furniture design and manufacturing, although economically challenging times have also affected the furniture industry.
– IKEA’s arrival is a positive signal of growth, and we will do everything we can to ensure that IKEA also sees other opportunities for cooperation in Lahti. At the same time, we continue to support the growth of the existing furniture industry in the city.
IKEA aims to have a positive impact on both people and the environment – from material sourcing to enabling more sustainable everyday living at home. These sustainability goals align well with Lahti’s identity as Finland’s leading environmental city.
In recent years, Lahti has successfully attracted several major investments. What lies behind this success?
– We listen carefully to companies’ wishes and plans and strive to solve their challenges. This approach ultimately benefits Lahti as a whole, the Mayor says.
– Lahti’s location and transport connections are excellent, and the situation will improve further with the new flight route. Reliable energy, a business-friendly environment, access to a diverse workforce and a flexible, solution-oriented mindset – we look for solutions, not obstacles, Kyynäräinen concludes.
More information
Niko Kyynäräinen. Mayor of Lahti, +358 50 559 0538