IKEA opened its first Dallas location, IKEA University Park, at the Shops at Park Lane, a 33-acre mixed-use center owned by Northwood Investors.
The center features Whole Foods, Ulta, Old Navy, Saks Off 5th, and now IKEA, which opened on March 11. A ribbon-cutting and log-cutting ceremony was held, a Swedish tradition for good luck. IKEA’s first U.S. store opened over 30 years ago.
“We want your shopping experience with us to be so full and inspiring,” said Dean Barry, the store manager, as he praised the crowd during the opening ceremony.
The store spans two shopping levels with over 63,000 square feet, serving both in-store and online customers with thousands of products, including food.
It is also home to a Swedish Bistro serving its world-famous Swedish meatballs and chicken tenders. Ben Sandoval, market manager for IKEA in Frisco and Dallas, said at the grand opening that launching a store in Dallas was always a dream. “[It]brings our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many people closer to our communities, and today, that dream becomes a reality.”
“At IKEA, we aim to improve everyday life for many by bringing IKEA closer to where people live, work, socialize and shop,” said Javier Quiñones, CEO and chief sustainability officer of IKEA U.S., in a press release.
“That’s why we’re updating store formats for convenience, making delivery cheaper and strengthening customer connections. The opening of IKEA University Park in Dallas exemplifies our strategy of developing smaller, urban stores to provide a more connected IKEA experience for all.”
