IKEA is moving closer to home — but not quite close enough for Ballina, with a new Northern Rivers collection hub instead landing in Lismore.

The global homewares giant has announced four new regional NSW collection points in Orange, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Albury, aimed at making its products more accessible and affordable.

For Northern Rivers customers, the closest option will be a weekday pick-up site at Habib Drive in South Lismore.

The model allows shoppers to avoid higher delivery costs by sending orders to a central hub, with IKEA Family members paying $35 for orders over $500.

IKEA Australia and New Zealand expansion manager Giovanni Rutigliano said the move was about improving access for customers outside major cities.

“New collection points mean more Australians can access our products, even if they live far away from our big blue box stores,” he said.

“Grouping orders from the same area together and delivering to a central point for customers to pick up themselves is a way we can make the offer more affordable.”

But the decision to base the Northern Rivers hub in Lismore — rather than Ballina — has raised questions.

Ballina is the region’s largest population centre and a key retail hub, particularly for bulky goods like furniture and homewares.

It also has strong transport access and has avoided the repeated flood impacts that have affected parts of South Lismore, including the chosen site.

When asked about the decision, IKEA said the location was driven by logistics.

“We’ve partnered with Team Global Express and are using their existing locations as our collection points,” a spokesperson said.

“We’ve been guided by them on the best locations to integrate IKEA into at the moment.”

The company said it would consider opening more collection points in the future based on customer demand.

For now, Ballina customers will need to travel to Lismore to collect their flat packs — but at least it’s closer than the Logan store pick up (pictured).