IKEA celebrates the opening of its tenth store in Switzerland in Valais

Post on: 21.04.2024

IKEA Switzerland is writing a new chapter in its history in Valais, where it welcomed the first guests of the new store in Riddes. The tenth IKEA store è the first in a mountain canton and the mostù modern in Switzerland.

A year from start of the works, IKEA was able to celebrate today the opening of his new store in Riddes, in the heart of Valais. A little moreù 50 years since With the opening of the first store outside Scandinavia, in Spreitenbach in the canton of Aargau, now the people of Valais also have their own IKEA. There are about 23 thousand square meters of exhibition space, distributed over two floors, where customers will find inspiration, personalized advice and over 7' 400 IKEA items, designed to make everyday life in the best and most home-based sustainable.

An award for the region

The official opening ceremony in the early hours of the morning è The event was introduced by the CEO of IKEA Switzerland, Janie Bisset, and the Market Manager of Riddes, Alexandre Lahaye, in the name of the fusion between Switzerland and Sweden, underlined by the presence of alphorn players, flag-wavers and a Swedish folk group in traditional costume. The two nations were also represented by the guests. Present at the event, in fact, even the mayor of Riddes, Christel Duc, and the Swedish ambassador to Switzerland, Carl Magnus Nesser. Among the distinguished guests was also the President of the Council of State of the Canton of Valais, Christophe Darbellay, who in his speech underlined: « We are delighted that IKEA has chosen Valais as the location for the construction of its tenth store in Switzerland, demonstrating how attractive this canton is. In addition, the store will cree. Added value in the region and 200 new jobs – a win-win situation for all parties involved.

A big thank you to all participants

Alexandre Lahaye briefly looked back on the intense months that had passed since the laying of the foundation stone and wanted to thank the construction team once again. « We can be proud of how we have carried out this great project together, emphasized Alexandre Lahaye. « Now I don't see the It is time to tackle the task ahead, which is to offer customers in the region a unique shopping experience in the " them" IKEA, surprising them with lots of inspiration and personalized advice for the furniture. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the doors were opened to customers at nine o'clock, warmly welcomed by the staff.

Living the IKEA experience on different channels

The store in Riddes clearly demonstrates how important physical stores and proximity to people throughout Switzerland are for IKEA. Janie Bisset also pointed this out in her inaugural speech, during which she explained that « Our stores are and remain an important pillar of our success. « By physically meeting our customers, we have learned a lot about their ever-changing needs in recent years. They carefully consider when to buy in-store and when. moreù practical to buy online," explains Bisset. What you have learned is The Riddes store has been integrated into the design and construction of the Riddes store. Although in the last two years the percentage of the e-commerce in Switzerland has tripled, the physical purchase and personal advice still play a central role in the choice of home furnishings. « Our goal is to optimally combine the quality of the of our furniture range online and in-store, says Bisset. Riddes offers a experience of Inspiring Buying – regardless of how and where customers come into contact with IKEA. This approach is reflected, among other things, more, in the large areas for the Click & Collect, thanks to which è you can pick up orders made online even more easily. simple and efficient.

Focus on sustainability

Another important aspect in the design of the new store è sustainability has been achieved: IKEA Riddes A model that demonstrates how innovation, eco-friendly design and sustainability can coexist. A concept " zero waste", which includes recycling stations, large green spaces in the surrounding and rooftop area, good public transport connections, 22 charging stations for electric cars and two charging stations for delivery vehicles, as well as A photovoltaic system on the roof underline this commitment. The IKEA store in Riddes will receive the second more BREEAM high certification " Excellent" and the Minergie labels, which certify the attention of the building to sustainability.

Holidays at the IKEA in Riddes

IKEA celebrates its tenth store in Switzerland with a lot of activity. Engaging: From 17 to 20 April 2024, special attractions for young and old await the inhabitants of the region. In addition to a new and stimulating shopping experience, you will find free tastings in the Swedish shop, culinary delights in the show cooking made in the Kitchen exhibition, a fun pass to a world of discoveries for the most a selfie station for perfect souvenir shots, musical entertainment as well as exclusive competitions and special storewide opening offers for IKEA Family and IKEA Business Network members.