Becoming Even More Accessible to Canadians, the IKEA Whitby Pick-Up and Order Point Officially Opens

As part of a global test pilot, the Pick-Up and Order Points offer another option in bringing IKEA closer to where our customers live

BURLINGTON, ON, Feb. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - IKEA Canada announced that the Pick-Up and Order Point in Whitby, Ontario located at the Thickson Ridge Power Centre (1650 Victoria Street East), is now officially open to the public. In IKEA's continued ambition to become even more accessible to our Canadian customers, the 3094 square metre (33,303 square feet) location gives customers the option who have shopped online or at an IKEA store to pick up their products closer to where they live. Customers are also able to browse the range place orders at the Pick-Up and Order Point, have access to services to support their purchases, sit at a computer station to browse the range, as well as being able to purchase a selection of IKEA's most popular items available for immediate takeaway. IKEA's Pick-Up and Order Point in Whitby is now the third location of its kind open for business, following Quebec City, Quebec and London, Ontario which opened in December of 2015 and have been very successful showing that Canadians are looking to IKEA to be more accessible and to shop our brand.

IKEA currently has 12 stores across Canada, as well as a recently announced plan to open a 13^th store in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late 2017 and an eCommerce store. In addition to Quebec City, London and Whitby, the Kitchener, and Windsor, Ontario Pick-Up and Order Point locations will open in spring 2016 with the St. Catharines location to be announced shortly. The company sees growth potential in opening Pick-Up and Order Points, whose format is part of a global test pilot in markets where there are currently no stores, ensuring IKEA is accessible to more people, faster.

"IKEA's growth through Pick-Up and Order Points in Canada is a crucial part of our business and allows Canadians to have increased accessibility to our products," said Stefan Sjöstrand, President, IKEA Canada. "The Pick-Up and Order Points are allowing IKEA to expand quickly into markets that have been identified as having potential, resulting in IKEA becoming more accessible to Canadians."

Customers in Whitby, the Durham Region and beyond now have another option in interacting with the IKEA brand in a smart and convenient way. The Pick-Up and Order Point location, which is one-tenth the size of a store, will significantly reduce delivery costs for customers while at the same time delivering inspiration and services. The location features a home furnishing inspiration area as well as stations to support customers with their planning process.

"We are pleased that IKEA has chosen Whitby as the location to serve Durham Region and beyond," said Mayor Don Mitchell, Town of Whitby. "We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship."

IKEA has hired 36 co-workers to support the new Pick-Up and Order Point. Co-workers have been welcomed into an engaging environment with a strong focus on people and their professional growth.

ABOUT IKEA CANADA

IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer with 375 stores in more than 50 countries worldwide, which are visited by 884 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 12 stores, with recently announced plans to open a 13^th store in Halifax, Nova Scotia in late 2017, an eCommerce virtual store, Pick-Up and Order Points in Quebec City, Quebec and London and Whitby, Ontario with three additional Pick-Up and Order Points opening spring 2016. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 25 million visitors to its stores and 75 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.

SOURCE IKEA Canada

Stephanie Kerr, Corporate Press Officer, [email protected], 905-637-9440 x6378