WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Ikea Canada has set Nov. 28 for the grand opening for its new store here, which will also mark the first time the Swedish-owned home furnishings giant has expanded the 11-unit Canadian chain in at least a decade.
Over the past year, Ikea has opened two replacement stores in Canada, one in Ottawa and the other in Richmond, British Columbia. It also began a massive expansion of its store in the Montreal suburb of Saint Laurent in May.
In a statement, Ikea said the Winnipeg store will cover 395,671 square feet and will feature 55 inspirational room settings and two full model homes. It will have a 650-seat restaurant, 1,619 parking spots, 40 cash lanes and a 2,228-square-foot play area for children.
"My whole team is counting down the days until we welcome customers to Winnipeg's first Ikea store," store manager Stephen Bobko said.
The store will anchor a regional power center called Seasons of Tuxedo at Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway, which will also feature a Lowe's Canada home improvement warehouse and a Cabela's outdoor store.
Ikea is one of the partners in the development, which is expected to become a tourist attraction, bringing in visitors from western Canada and the adjoining U.S. states. Local media are reporting that its eventual attractions will include a 100-room hotel, a 16-screen movie theater and possibly an indoor water park.
