MANAMA: The much-awaited IKEA Bahrain furnishing store is in the final stages of fit-outs, a spokesman for the company has revealed.
The GDN had reported last month that the opening of the Swedish home furnishings conglomerate’s largest regional store, with a retail area of 37,000sqm spread over two floors, was just a few weeks away. Store manager Fatima Gustafsson had said then the store would open within the third quarter ending September 2018.
A statement yesterday quoted IKEA Bahrain properties and expansion manager Saleh Khalaf as saying that the Salmabad facility was almost complete and that the retail fit-outs were in the final stages.
“IKEA Bahrain is well on its way to being open to the public. The support of various government bodies has been monumental for the progress we have made with the facility,” said Mr Khalaf.
“Our team sincerely thanks government bodies for their full co-operation and continued support during the development of the new store in Bahrain,” he stated.
Following the store’s groundbreaking in October 2016 construction for the project was carried out by Bahrain-based company Kooheji Contractors.
More than 7,500 products, including iconic brands like Billy bookcases, Poang chairs and Bang mugs, will be on the shelves in a 6,200sqm showroom.
The BD47 million complex will also incorporate a 6,000sqm market hall for accessories, 5,000sqm of self-service area and 4,000sqm of full-service in a warehouse-like space.
IKEA Bahrain, which is being opened in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman Furniture Trading, will also be home to a 650-seat restaurant, the biggest in Bahrain, spread over 2,500sqm.
IKEA is the world’s largest retailer for furniture and is known around the world for its ready-to-assemble furniture and other home accessories.
avinash@gdn.com.bh
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