Christian Estrosi, Walter Kadnar, CEO of IKEA France, Emma Recco, Strategy and Business Development Director for IKEA France, and Patrick Cazorla, Director of the future store, visited the construction site of IKEA Nice this Wednesday.
Nearly a year after the start of the major construction works, this visit provided an opportunity to assess the status of this project, which is eagerly awaited by all the residents of Nice.
The establishment of Ikea in the Nice area is approaching and is scheduled for the end of 2021. Endorsed by 80% of residents, this building will generate significant economic benefits for the Côte d’Azur area with the creation of over 400 jobs.
This establishment is also a strong element for the attractiveness of the city of Nice. The location, near the Allianz Riviera, will enjoy exceptional accessibility thanks to the tramway lines.
In terms of figures, the store will cover 32,000 m2, with 24,000 m2 dedicated to retail space. More than 2,000 parking spaces will be available around the site. The total cost of the project is estimated to be 150 million euros.
Present, the CEO of Ikea Walter Kadnar announced “that this construction is an incredible opportunity for the city” before adding “we’ve already had good reactions and we’re relying on the market in Nice but also on the foreign tourists who are very present here”.
The mayor of Nice congratulated himself on “this virtuous development which represents an economic and social success and addresses the needs of the population”. “It’s an exemplary partnership and a necessary response to the overall expectations of all the citizens of Nice”, explained Christian Estrosi.
A surprise opening in the city center this summer
So while there will be the large store in the Var plain in 2021, this summer another retail space, about 300 m2, will open right in the city center of Nice. This is the surprise that Ikea announced this Wednesday: this unique store concept in France by the Swedish furniture brand will open on Paul-Déroulède street, very close to Jean-Médecin Avenue, in June.
“There won’t be the same range of products as in this store. However, there will probably be some self-service options and everything can be ordered on site. And we will offer to assist customers with their kitchen or wardrobe projects”, argued the director of these future stores.
This should keep the most eager customers satisfied until the main Ikea store opens in 2021.
