Ikea opens concept store in Al Ain

Ikea, the Swedish retailer, famous for its ready-to-assemble furniture, home accessories and meatballs, has launched a sales concept that is new to the UAE – a customer ordering and collection point in Al Ain.

Located next to Bawadi Mall, the 2,500 square metres store complements the larger Ikea stores located in Dubai Festival City and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

About 2,500 products will be available for viewing at the Al Ain concept store and through the catalogue with the full range of more than 7,500 products online. Purchases can be made either at the store or online and can be collected after two days with free delivery and assembly available on minimum purchases or for a small fee.

“The customer ordering and collection point is yet another channel bringing the Ikea brand even closer to the residents of Al Ain and surrounding areas,” said John Kersten, managing director – Ikea UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Oman. “Historically, the UAE is an extremely dynamic market that adapts well to new formats.”

The Swedish retailer started rolling out the concept stores out in March, with the first located in Spain’s Pamplona. Another two stores are due to open in Canada before the end of the year.

Al Ain is the fourth-largest city in the UAE, with about 600,000 people.

The new store opens as Ikea, part of the Al-Futtaim Group in the UAE, launched its annual catalogue. The 65th edition was launched simultaneously in 48 countries and 32 languages.

ascott@thenational.ae

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