Swedish retailer IKEA is investing $28 million to increase space at its two stores in Alberta’s two major cities.
The company said construction is set to begin in July on both its outlets in Edmonton and Calgary, which will create an increase of 29,000 square feet of space to each of the warehouses.
The investment at the South Edmonton Common outlet will be $13.5 million, which will expand the outlet’s space by 10 per cent.
“We are working diligently to provide our customers from coast-to-coast with an easier and more convenient shopping experience,” Stefan Sjöstrand, IKEA Canada president, said.
“With sales increasing at both locations, there is a need to expand our warehouses to better serve our valued customers in Alberta.”
IKEA said a total of 270 people will be hired, 135 in Edmonton, to help with the expansion, which is scheduled to be finished in 2017.
“The investment in our stores will allow us to improve on our existing services and having more stock available for our customers,” Alan Corbett, IKEA Edmonton store manager, said.
IKEA said it wants to double its presence in Canada by 2025.