
IKEA’s Winnipeg store at the corner of Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway. (STAN MILOSEVIC / CHRISD.CA FILE)
You’re going to need a bigger Allen key for this job.
IKEA’s larger-than-life sign in south Winnipeg hasn’t been visible for several months, prompting some to ask what happened to the trademark blue and yellow beacon for affordable Swedish furniture.
Officially called the store’s “navigation tower,” a spokesperson for IKEA Canada tells ChrisD.ca the 155-foot sign was temporarily removed after this past winter’s harsh weather conditions caused safety concerns.
A full survey and engineering evaluation will determine new and improved materials and solutions for having it re-installed safely.
Since its removal, the sign has been sitting in an empty portion of the store’s parking lot at the southwest corner of Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway.
“We are currently reviewing prototypes and will move into production and approvals before it’s installed in the original location by Spring 2016,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
The sign’s own Twitter account (yes, it tweets) has been relatively quiet on the issue.
IKEA’s Winnipeg store originally opened in November 2012 and most recently introduced Swedish bulk candy bars at locations across the country.