Immediate Release
Contact: Randi Brightman
(212) 645-6900 x149
randi@jerichopr.com
IKEA BURBANK HAS A WHOLE NEW LOOK
REFLECTING THE 21ST CENTURY MODEL FOR IKEA STORES

LOS ANGELES, December 14, 2002 — IKEA, the leading home furnishings retailer, today announced the completion of an $8 million remodel to its Burbank store. IKEA Burbank, which was the sixth store that opened in the U.S. on November 7, 1990, has added 7,500 square feet to accommodate additional shopping space.

The remodeled store features enhancements to the entrance area, Showroom and Marketplace areas. In addition, the remodel also includes an expanded Customer Service area, Self-Serve Warehouse, Restaurant and a new children’s play area, called Småland.

Developed with inspiration from the store’s Swedish roots, Småland has the look of a typical farmhouse in Sweden, only with brightly colored designs especially for children. This play area, which can accommodate more than 80 children, features a unique Swedish forest, a ballroom and other interactive activities so children can have fun, use their imagination and explore while their family shops. Småland is for children who meet the height requirement of 36”-54” and for every 10 children, an IKEA co-worker is on-hand to supervise. In addition, the remodel provides family-friendly play kiosk areas throughout the store specifically designed for children who don’t meet the height requirement for Småland, for themselves and their families to enjoy.

“We are so excited for shoppers to experience our new remodeled IKEA store now that the six-month construction has been completed,” said Chris Maynard, store manager, IKEA Burbank. “For any life situation we can now help our shoppers even more to affordably create the life at home that they really want. And, we know that children will love our new play areas.”

The Showroom’s expansion includes five complete model homes depicting different life situations including a single mom and her young daughter, two men living together and a family with two children. In addition, IKEA now has more than 40 room displays for shoppers with creative and unique approaches to efficiently organize space and inspire design ideas for any room in the home.

The IKEA Burbank restaurant now has more seating to accommodate shoppers and will serve new menu items, including ravioli, roast beef and macaroni and cheese, at even lower prices. Also, for young shoppers IKEA has specially-designed strollers and full nursing facilities in its restrooms.

Located at 600 N. San Fernando Blvd., IKEA Burbank is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The IKEA Burbank Winter Sale runs from December 26th to January 12. In 2003, IKEA will be relocating its Tustin and City of Industry stores to Costa Mesa and Covina, and will open a new California store in East Palo Alto.

Since its founding in 1943, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at prices so low that the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA is recognized as a socially responsible company, and continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. Currently, IKEA has more than 175 stores in 31 countries, including 15 stores in the United States and nine stores in Canada. To visit the IKEA Web site, please go to http://www.ikea-us.com