IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Randi Brightman
(212) 645-6900 X149
randi@jerichopr.com

ON NOVEMBER 28 STAND TALL AND
PROVE THAT EVERY INCH COUNTS

Seven Foot Seven Inches Former NBA player, Gheorghe Muresan Celebrates the Grand Opening of the New “Bigger and Better” IKEA and Helps Make a Difference in Our Community

Woodbridge, VA — Now, more then ever it is important for us to “Stand Tall” and come together as a community. Gheorghe Muresan, former NBA player and star of the Billy Crystal movie “My Giant”, is joining IKEA, the leading home furnishings retailer, in celebration of the Grand Opening of the new, “bigger and better” IKEA store on Wednesday, November 28 and providing the opportunity for everyone to join together and work for our future with more determination then ever before.

On Grand Opening Day, Gheorghe Muresan and IKEA are inviting everyone to “Stand Tall” and show that every inch counts by literally having their height measured and matched with contributions to benefit the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund. Recently established, introduced and chaired by former President Bill Clinton and former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, this new fund will provide educational assistance for post secondary study to the families of victim’s of the terrorist attacks on September 11 and the rescue activities relating to the attacks.

“Like the rest of our country, we are determined to work together and ‘Stand Tall’ together during this difficult time for our nation,” said Tomas Franzen, store manager, IKEA Woodbridge. “That’s why for our new store’s grand opening we wanted to celebrate with the community and at the same time make it possible to benefit a worthy cause and ensure big things for our future generation.”

Starting at 9:00 AM on Grand Opening day, visitors can join the very tall Gheorghe Muresan and have their height measured as they enter the new “bigger and better” store. For every 12 inches measured, a quarter will be donated to the fund. At the end of the day IKEA will total the inches measured and match the total monetary amount reached to benefit the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund‘. IKEA estimates that it will contribute more than $20,000 to the Fund.

In preparation for the event, everyone is invited to stop by IKEA the night before Grand Opening on Tuesday, November 27 starting at 8 PM to create and design special “Big Hats” which will help add a few inches to their height and more dollars toward the fund. The first 100 visitors in line at 9:00 AM on Grand Opening day will receive a FREE Leather POÄNG Chair with a retail value of $249. In addition, the three most creative “Big Hat” designs will be selected by IKEA as winners to receive a FREE matching POÄNG footstool with a retail value of $110.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of IKEA through this important event, which we know will help bring the community together and truly make a difference on the lives of the children and spouses who lost loved ones on September 11,” said William C. Nelsen, president of Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, which founded the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund‘. “Fundraising efforts such as the IKEA ‘Stand Tall’ grand opening event will help us achieve our goal of ultimately raising at least $100 million dollars for The Families for Freedom Scholarship Fund.”

The New “Bigger and Better” IKEA Woodbridge Store

After being part of the Woodbridge, VA community for 15 years, the new IKEA store has practically doubled in size, providing shoppers with a true IKEA experience! In addition, the new IKEA showcases the tremendous selection, affordable prices, customer-friendly atmosphere and well-designed furnishings and accessories that have become the IKEA trademark.

“Bigger and Better”
The new IKEA Woodbridge store is 300,000 square feet, almost double in size from the old Woodbridge store, and resides on 10.6 acres of land.

Everything for the Home Under One Roof
The new IKEA offers more than 10,000 furnishings and accessories, which is an addition of 3,000 more products compared to the old store! Also, the new catalog will have 1,000 brand new IKEA products that shoppers will be able to see for the very first time at the new store.

Inspiring Ideas for the Home
The new store features three full model homes with inspiring and creative ideas on how small changes can make a big difference and help you achieve the home of your dreams at an affordable price. Each model home represents a different life situation such as, a single parent with two daughters, a bachelor pad and a growing family. In addition, the new IKEA store offers more than 41 room displays including dining rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, children’s rooms, home offices and more.

There’s Nothing Like a Good Swedish Meatball
The new IKEA 300-seat Restaurant serves Swedish specialties including Swedish meatballs, hot and cold salmon platters, lingonberries, vegetarian offerings, a special children’s menu and delicious desserts! Also, parents shouldn’t hesitate to ask for bibs, bottle warming, baby seats and diapers, which help makes the dining experience even more convenient and pleasant. And, there’s a new Bistro in the exit area, which offers hotdogs, cinnamon buns and Swedish snacks.

Parking Perks and Customer Conveniences
With more than 1,000 parking spaces, the new IKEA Woodbridge store is the first northeast store to offer the convenience of above and underground parking, as well as two customer pick-up loading areas with 60 spaces for more efficient car loading. More customer conveniences include wider shopping aisles, 28 cash register checkout lanes and customer elevators.

Magical and Entertaining for Kids
IKEA Woodbridge offers a unique interactive Play Area for children called Småland. This magical playland has the look of a typical farmhouse in Sweden only with brightly colored designs especially for children. One play area is designed for infants/toddlers and another area is designed for elementary age children.

The IKEA Co-Worker Family
In addition to the 300 co-workers from the former IKEA store, many of which have been with IKEA since we first entered the Woodbridge market in 1986, we’re excited to hire 125 new co-workers to our IKEA family for a total of 425 co-workers from the local area.

IKEA at Your Fingertips
IKEA 2002 catalogs will be distributed to more than half a million households in the area. Shoppers can request to receive an IKEA catalog via www.ikea-usa.com.

Grand Opening Hoopla and Fun
Grand Opening festivities will continue from November 28 through Sunday, December 2 with massage therapists, face painters, clowns, Swedish dancers, balloons and free giveaways!

IKEA Woodbridge Store Hours
IKEA Woodbridge store hours on Grand Opening Day (November 28) will be from 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM. IKEA Woodbridge general store hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM through 9:30 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Weekdays after 3:00 PM children under 10 years old will be served a free cookie and glass of milk.

About IKEA
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 165 stores in 31 countries, including 15 stores in the United States and 8 stores in Canada. To visit the IKEA web site, please go to http://www.ikea-usa.com.

About Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund™
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund™ assists dependents of those who were killed or permanently disabled by the recent terrorist attacks. The Fund was established by the Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation of America (CSFA), the nation’s largest private-sector scholarship and educational-support organization, and Lumina Foundation for Education, a private, charitable foundation dedicated to expanding access to higher education nationwide. To make a donation to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, call 800-335-1102 or visit www.familiesoffreedom.org.