IKEA and Best Buy Choose Big V Property Group Centers for New Pilot Programs

Best Buy stores at dominant centers Alamo Ranch in San Antonio and Deerbrook Marketplace in metro Houston will see first-of-its-kind partnership

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 24, 2025) — When a global retail giant tests a new concept, it needs to do so in the best possible location. So, when IKEA decided to partner with Best Buy on in-store mini showrooms of its kitchens and laundry rooms in Florida and Texas, it naturally sought Best Buys in top-performing shopping centers.

The result: two of the retailers’ five pilot programs in Texas are located in Big V Property Group centers: Alamo Ranch in San Antonio and Deerbrook Marketplace in Humble, Texas, part of the Houston metropolitan area. The Alamo Ranch location is now open, with the Humble store to open later this winter.

“Over the past few years, IKEA has sought to be ever closer to their customers — and that’s been our goal at Big V Property Group, as well,” said Gregory Ix, Executive Vice President of leasing. “That 40% of their pilot locations in Texas will be at our properties is a testament to our goal of acquiring the best locations in major Sunbelt markets — and then applying our management, leasing and construction skills to make them true community cores.”

The Ikea Best Buy Pilot program allows customers to explore and design kitchens and laundry rooms just steps from the appliances they can purchase to complete their installation. It is the first time IKEA products will be available from another retailer. In addition, Best Buy’s Alamo Ranch store will serve as a pick-up point for IKEA shoppers, who can pick up purchases from IKEA in Best Buy or online for free.

One of San Antonio’s most dominant retail centers, the 900,000-square-foot Alamo Ranch draws shoppers from the entire northwest region of the city. Other anchors at the property include Barnes & Noble, Lowe’s, JCPenney, Super Target and Ulta. More than 700,000 people live within 10 miles of the center.

“The closest full-size Ikea in San Antonio is more than an hour from Alamo Ranch,” Ix noted. “Our property makes it convenient for the young, high-income consumer who live nearby to create the living spaces of their dreams.”

Deerbrook Marketplace is situated in metro Houston’s rapidly growing northwest region, with communities including Atascocita, Humble, Kingwood and Spring seeing a 24.2% population increase over the last decade. The center boasts a best-in-class anchor and dining lineup including Best Buy, PetsSmart, Ulta, Office Depot, Old Navy, Marshalls, Shoe Station, Crunch Fitness, Chuy’s and Red Lobster.

“We’re thrilled that IKEA has recognized the strength of these two locations for this very important trial,” Ix said. “And we will watch closely as it tests these and other new concepts.”

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Debra Hazel
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debra@debrahazelcommunications.com