| IKEA
celebrates construction milestone |
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IKEA’s new store in Southampton has celebrated reaching
a construction milestone with a ‘topping out’ ceremony.
Co-workers and builders alike watched as the Mayor of Southampton
Cllr Brian Parnell secured the final piece of steel on the
roof – completing the overall construction of the highest
point of the site.
The topping out ceremony, which is one of
the oldest customs in the building and construction industry,
signifies the home furnishing store is on schedule to open
in spring 2009. |
1943 IKEA is founded
by Ingvar Kamprad
When Ingvar Kamprad is 17, his father gives him money as
a reward for succeeding in his studies. He uses it to
establish his own business. The name IKEA is formed from
the founder's initials (I.K.) plus the first letters
of Elmtaryd (E) and Agunnaryd (A), the farm and village
where he grew up. IKEA originally sells pens, wallets,
picture frames, table runners, watches, jewellery and
nylon stockings - meeting needs with products at reduced
prices. |
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The iconic store, being
built at WestQuay, now has both its key branding and iconic
blue cladding in place for all to see – creating the
distinctive exterior look that IKEA is internationally renowned
for.
Construction manager Alan Tarbuck, of PCM, the company
that has taken on the job of constructing the 34,000 sq m store,
said: “We are making brilliant progress with the build.
Now that the overarching structure of the store is in place
everyone can start to picture what the finished store will
look like. The internal retail fit-out will now begin in earnest.” |
1945
- First advertisements
Ingvar Kamprad's business outgrows his ability to make individual sales calls,
so he begins advertising in local newspapers and operating a makeshift mail-order
service. He uses the local milk van to deliver products to the nearby train station.
1948 - Furniture introduced
The furniture is produced by local manufacturers in the forests close to Ingvar
Kamprad's home. The response is positive and the line expands.
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IKEA’s
UK project leader Jo Rymill said: “This is an exciting
time for shoppers in and around the Southampton area as IKEA
promises to bring something new to the retail market. The new
store will be family friendly, bursting with inspiration, smart
solutions and fantastic offers. IKEA sets itself apart from
other home furnishing stores by striving to offer something
for everyone and every home.” |
The IKEA Group
One of the largest IKEA franchisees, has grown into a major retail experience.
With more than 231 stores in 24 countries and over 118,000 co-workers in
40 countries, the IKEA Group has annual sales worth more than 19 billion
euros. |
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Ikea
Southampton
Location:
The former Pirelli site, West Quay Road map
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Below: Mayor of
Southampton Cllr Brian Parnell securing the final piece of
steel on the roof. |
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