IKEA’s future Winnipeg store located at the corner of Sterling Lyon Parkway and Kenaston Boulevard as shown on September 10, 2012. (STAN MILOSEVIC / CHRISD.CA FILE)
IKEA has the opening ceremonies of their Winnipeg store next week scripted like clockwork. The Swedish furniture giant will open in the city on November 28 at 9 a.m.
Special guests include Premier Greg Selinger, Mayor Sam Katz, Swedish Consul General Neil Carlson, representatives from IKEA Canada, as well as Elder Elmer Courchene, who will perform a welcoming blessing in honour of Manitoba’s rich cultural heritage.
“IKEA Winnipeg co-workers are ready to open the doors of our brand new store,” said Stephen Bobko, IKEA Winnipeg store manager. “We are thrilled with the support we’ve received from the community and are happy that we will be able to offer our Winnipeg customers a truly inspiring and convenient shopping experience.”
IKEA will be rewarding the first 1,000 fans in line with mystery boxes that will contain a $75 IKEA gift card and an allen key. Five lucky customers who have golden allen keys will be eligible to try their luck at winning either a $1,000 IKEA gift card or a grand prize of a $5,000 IKEA gift card at 7:30 a.m. Customers will be welcome to start lining up at 12:01 a.m. on November 28.
At 8:05 a.m., 350 IKEA employees will celebrate outside the store before a flag raising ceremony with singers and choirs at 8:25 a.m.
At 8:45 a.m., IKEA Canada president Kerri Molinaro will present Tree Canada with a cheque for $80,000.
