[URBAN NOTE] "Ikea to open much-anticipated full-size store in Halifax region"
CBC's Susan Bradley notes that Ikea, after three decades, is finally returning to Nova Scotia with a shop in Halifax. Some linked articles note that Moncton, Halifax's only rival as a shopping centre, is envious. I wonder what this says about the Maritime economy.
The buzz about Ikea opening a store in the Halifax area hit a fever pitch on Friday as the Swedish furniture giant announced a much-anticipated return to the Maritimes, after leaving the area nearly three decades ago.
"The rumours are true. We are going to open a full-size store," Ikea Canada president Stefan Sjostrand said at a news conference, ending days of speculation among locals about whether a new store would be a full-size operation or a showroom location.
Ikea Canada operated a store in Dartmouth from 1975 to 1988 and was widely mourned among loyal shoppers when it shut down. Rumours of the store's return have popped up periodically over the past three decades.
"I think this is very exciting for Halifax. I think it is a sign of confidence in the Halifax economy," said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage.
He said the chain has a big following in the Maritimes.
The buzz about Ikea opening a store in the Halifax area hit a fever pitch on Friday as the Swedish furniture giant announced a much-anticipated return to the Maritimes, after leaving the area nearly three decades ago.
"The rumours are true. We are going to open a full-size store," Ikea Canada president Stefan Sjostrand said at a news conference, ending days of speculation among locals about whether a new store would be a full-size operation or a showroom location.
Ikea Canada operated a store in Dartmouth from 1975 to 1988 and was widely mourned among loyal shoppers when it shut down. Rumours of the store's return have popped up periodically over the past three decades.
"I think this is very exciting for Halifax. I think it is a sign of confidence in the Halifax economy," said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage.
He said the chain has a big following in the Maritimes.