IKEA GETS $22 MILLION FACELIFT
By Adnews Staff
IKEA Canada is celebrating growth in the Montreal market, where sales and volume have doubled over the last four years, with a major makeover. Over the next year, the Montreal store is going to be remodeled and expanded. Upon completion, 95% of the store will be brand new. Included in the makeover is: an increase in floorspace from 16,3000 to 23,400 square metres, remodeling of the warehouse space, traffic aisles and kitchen showcase area, an increase from 12 to 18 cash lanes and the number of parking spaces doubled to 1,500. The store will also introduce a new and expanded restaurant, a designated nursing room and a children's attraction to supplement the existing ball room. IKEA Montreal is scheduled for completion and re-launch in April 2000. During the renovations the store will remain open for "business as usual". According to IKEA, the Montreal store will also serve as the prototype for a remodel phase in Canada which is currently under way. IKEA currently operates 149 stores in 48 countries. The company's North American headquarters are based in Philadelphia. A marketing campaign will be launched to promote the grand re-opening. Advertising for IKEA is done by its agency-of-record, Deutsch of New York.