IKEA will have its biggest store in the Gulf region in Abu Dhabi and will provide impetus for the Swedish retail giant to expand further in the Gulf region, a senior official said on Wednesday.
IKEA UAE, part of Al-Futtaim Group, said it expects to serve nearly 1.3 million visitors in the first year of operations it opens for business on Yas Island, the major new leisure and entertainment destination under development in Abu Dhabi by Aldar Properties, in early 2011.
Mile Franicevic, group director – Retail, Al-Futtaim said IKEA was looking forward to be one of the first globally recognised retailers on Yas Island.
The IKEA store will be a complete family destination and will form part of Yas Island’s retail centre based around Yas Mall, featuring a wide range of retail categories from individual boutiques to large format value retailers, the company said in a statement.
The present IKEA store in Marina Mall will relocate to Yas Island where it will be a full-fledged concept store. IKEA also operates a store at Dubai Festival City.
“The IKEA store on Yas Island will be a complete family destination and will serve the IKEA concept with its full service-warehouse. We have already determined the ideal store size and depth of range, and if all goes well, are hoping to be up and running within one year from today,” Franicevic said.
