The official ribbon-cutting to open the new IKEA store at Union Square. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen Inspired welcomed the opening of IKEA’s brand-new Aberdeen store at Union Square today.
The iconic Swedish brand threw its doors open at 10am, welcoming an eager queue of customers, all keen to get their first look at what was on offer.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, was at the official opening and said: “It's such a positive experience to have IKEA in Union Square. It just adds to our already wonderful offering in the city centre. Such a boon. It's an iconic brand and we're just absolutely delighted that it's come into the heart of our city, a time where we all understand it's really needed.
“IKEA is world famous. It offers its iconic furnishings and all that goes with that. It may bring a different audience who will contemplate coming into the city centre to this world-famous brand, not only to spend time in IKEA, but spend time throughout our wonderful retail and hospitality offering, which is second to none north of Central Belt.
“This new IKEA store will pull people in from far and wide, down to Dundee, up to Inverness, and all points between.”
Shoppers flocked to get their first look at the new IKEA at Union Square as it opened this morning. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The new IKEA at Union Square is a plan and order point which offers bespoke planning services, click and collect plus a curated range of 600 home furnishing accessories and small furniture items for immediate takeaway.
Covering two floors, the new store is a treasure trove of accessories, furnishings and inspiring ideas for new furniture, kitchens, bedrooms – and the eye-catching displays include photographs of Aberdeen city centre, many featuring stunning Nuart murals.
Mostaffa El Garaa, IKEA’s deputy CEO for UK and Ireland, was also at the opening to greet the first customers.
He said: “This is an important moment for us. We are super happy to be in Aberdeen and to be in Union Square. This is a very exciting moment for us, but we believe as well for the whole Aberdeen community.”
Mostaffa added that the opening of IKEA at Union Square, a move from its former store at Wellington Square, was a vote of confidence in Aberdeen
A bedroom display at the new IKEA in Union Square - complete with a photo of Aberdeen city centre showing a Nuart Aberdeen mural. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
“We believe in Aberdeen and we believe in the fact that we are in the right location here in Union Square, closer to the city centre, also to be able to welcome all the visitors that for sure will be happy to be here with us.”
Ryan Manson, general manager of Union Square, also welcomed IKEA to the prestigious city centre shopping centre.
He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see IKEA bringing their investment here into the heart of Aberdeen City and I can't wait to see how our customers respond to this terrific layout that we've got here.
“I've really enjoyed walking around, having a little preview of IKEA - and I'm absolutely loving the local photographs that we have on the displays as well. I think it looks terrific.”
