IKEA Phoenix, Arizona | As U.S. expansion continues, IKEA hot on Tempe, AZ; Applauds city approval of first store in desert southwest.
As U.S. expansion continues, IKEA hot on Tempe, AZ; Applauds city approval of first store in desert southwest.
Swedish Company’s U.S. Expansion Includes Opening the Doors of IKEA Tempe in Fall 2004
Contact:Joseph Roth 610-834-0180,x6500
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today expressed appreciation to the Tempe [AZ] City Council, for the body’s approval last night of the first IKEA store in the Greater Phoenix area, and all of Arizona. Pending other city permits, construction could begin next month with an anticipated opening date of Fall 2004. When the doors of IKEA Tempe open, the store will be the first southwestern IKEA store and restaurant destination outside of Southern California.
“IKEA is thrilled and honored at the support voiced by the Tempe City Council in favor of opening a store in the Valley next year,” said Doug Greenholz, real estate manager for IKEA. “While we already knew that many Arizonans were fans of IKEA, the outpouring of interest since we announced our plans – plus this approval by the City – has truly made us feel most welcome. The professionalism of City officials and staff confirmed for IKEA that ‘Tempe is the smart place to be.’”
The plan approved 6-0 by the unanimous City Council on Thursday night allows for IKEA to build a 342,000 square foot IKEA store and restaurant at-grade with approximately 1300 parking spaces in front of, and alongside, the store. Having now secured the key city approval, IKEA will close on the purchase of the 23-acre site at the northeast corner of I-10 and Warner Road from Emerald Holdings. IKEA Tempe will be the Swedish retailer’s 22nd store in the U.S., and will reflect the unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.
In addition to offering nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, IKEA Tempe will feature 50 different room settings, five model homes, a supervised children’s play area, as well as a 300-seat restaurant that serves Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon platters. Other family-friendly features will include Children’s IKEA showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store.
Greenholz continued, “We are glad to help fulfill Tempe’s vision for a home furnishings and lifestyle destination at Emerald Center. But, beyond the significant jobs and tax revenue we will generate, we are pleased the City recognizes the IKEA commitment to become an active member in this community.”
IKEA currently has more than 185 stores in 31 countries, including 18 stores in the United States and 11 stores in Canada. This January, the company began a North American expansion effort focused on 5 new stores a year for the next ten years, strengthening the presence of IKEA in existing markets while also slowly entering newer markets, such as the Valley of the Sun. Other U.S. stores planned include: Bloomington, MN; Dublin, CA; New Haven, CT; Philadelphia, PA; Somerville, MA; and a relocation in Houston, TX.
Since its founding in 1943, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA is recognized as a socially responsible company, and continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. To visit the IKEA Web Site, please go to http://www.ikea-usa.com.
Swedish Company’s U.S. Expansion Includes Opening the Doors of IKEA Tempe in Fall 2004
Contact:Joseph Roth 610-834-0180,x6500
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today expressed appreciation to the Tempe [AZ] City Council, for the body’s approval last night of the first IKEA store in the Greater Phoenix area, and all of Arizona. Pending other city permits, construction could begin next month with an anticipated opening date of Fall 2004. When the doors of IKEA Tempe open, the store will be the first southwestern IKEA store and restaurant destination outside of Southern California.
“IKEA is thrilled and honored at the support voiced by the Tempe City Council in favor of opening a store in the Valley next year,” said Doug Greenholz, real estate manager for IKEA. “While we already knew that many Arizonans were fans of IKEA, the outpouring of interest since we announced our plans – plus this approval by the City – has truly made us feel most welcome. The professionalism of City officials and staff confirmed for IKEA that ‘Tempe is the smart place to be.’”
The plan approved 6-0 by the unanimous City Council on Thursday night allows for IKEA to build a 342,000 square foot IKEA store and restaurant at-grade with approximately 1300 parking spaces in front of, and alongside, the store. Having now secured the key city approval, IKEA will close on the purchase of the 23-acre site at the northeast corner of I-10 and Warner Road from Emerald Holdings. IKEA Tempe will be the Swedish retailer’s 22nd store in the U.S., and will reflect the unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.
In addition to offering nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, IKEA Tempe will feature 50 different room settings, five model homes, a supervised children’s play area, as well as a 300-seat restaurant that serves Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon platters. Other family-friendly features will include Children’s IKEA showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store.
Greenholz continued, “We are glad to help fulfill Tempe’s vision for a home furnishings and lifestyle destination at Emerald Center. But, beyond the significant jobs and tax revenue we will generate, we are pleased the City recognizes the IKEA commitment to become an active member in this community.”
IKEA currently has more than 185 stores in 31 countries, including 18 stores in the United States and 11 stores in Canada. This January, the company began a North American expansion effort focused on 5 new stores a year for the next ten years, strengthening the presence of IKEA in existing markets while also slowly entering newer markets, such as the Valley of the Sun. Other U.S. stores planned include: Bloomington, MN; Dublin, CA; New Haven, CT; Philadelphia, PA; Somerville, MA; and a relocation in Houston, TX.
Since its founding in 1943, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA is recognized as a socially responsible company, and continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. To visit the IKEA Web Site, please go to http://www.ikea-usa.com.
