The wait is over, as IKEA Canberra opens their doors, with over 8,000 shoppers visiting the store on opening day.

Over the past 18 months, there has been an air of anticipation as the Swedish home furnishing retailer announced they were opening a store in Canberra. We watched the building framework go up and then the distinguishable blue walls marked their spot on the Canberra landscape.

Dining options for everyone

Every IKEA store interior is influenced by the city where it is located. The ‘home’ visits the IKEA team did earlier in the year has shaped some of Canberra store. Apparently we like to entertain outdoors, so expect to see a lot of alfresco dining options. Inside, the different mini-display ‘homes’ that are set up in-store will change with the seasons. Look at the photos on display and read the stories of the people that live in them, to get a feel for who the space is designed for.

Cooking workshops in the display kitchens

The IKEA team also noted Canberran’s interest in cooking and eating, and you will see this throughout the market-hall, with pots and pans lining the walls. The display kitchens will be used to provide cooking workshops, on learning to cook the ‘Swedish’ way.

Coffee on the go from the IKEA Cafe

The popular IKEA meatballs are on the restaurant menu (IKEA expects 24 tonnes of meatballs to be sold in the Canberra store in the first year!), along with the salmon and princess cakes. The restaurant seats 340 people, and there is an area set up, so you can eat while your children play. IKEA Canberra will be the first store to have an IKEA Cafe serving takeaway food and coffee.

The revolving doors near the exit are the largest in Australia

Australia’s newest IKEA store is also the most sustainable. Over 1,900 solar panels have been used, and the building is fitted with LED lights. The salmon served in the restaurants is sourced from 100% sustainable farming and the cafes coffee grounds are packaged so customers can take to use on their garden. Oh, and a little fun fact for your kids, the revolving doors near the exit are the largest in Australia; revolving doors help with the efficiency of the air-conditioning.

Images So Frank

Doors opened 9.30am on Monday 16 November, with special events on the day. The store will be open for extended trading hours through to 22 November. See the IKEA Canberra site for full details of opening hours, parking.

The So Frank team was invited to experience what IKEA Canberra has to offer as part of a behind the scenes tour.