While the closures may look like a retreat, retail analysts say Ikea is doubling down on what customers value most.

The retailer is changing course as it reevaluates one part of its long-term U.S. growth strategy.

Your hyper-modern apartment now comes with two-fifths the guilt, thanks to IAM's ongoing organizing of Ikea warehouses. Inspired by that victory, IAM has moved swiftly to organize Ikea’s U.S.

The retailer's closures span Charlotte, Austin, Memphis and Southlake as it reshapes how Americans shop for furniture.