This is a guest post from IKEA Canada
(Member since 2016)
OPENING THE DOOR
IKEA Halifax brings careers, sustainability and better living to Nova Scotia
Business Voice writer Erin Elaine Casey asked Sue Coulet, Store Manager, and Christine Krochak, Communications Specialist, all about the new IKEA Halifax store and what it brings to the community.
The excitement surrounding IKEA’s return to Halifax has been off the charts. What was behind IKEA’s decision to come back?
SC: We’ve been thrilled with the excitement and reception to our store opening. The community has been great and we’re happy to welcome so many new and returning customers to the store. In 2015, IKEA Canada announced that we would be doubling in size by 2025. As the largest city in Atlantic Canada, with an existing customer base that shopped in Montreal or online, Halifax was long considered a key market for expansion.
Why do you think people are so fired up about IKEA coming back?
SC: We offer a fun day out for the whole family. We have nearly 10,000 products, 50 inspirational room settings, model home interiors, a supervised children’s play facility and a 450-seat restaurant. Customers can browse the showroom for inspiration, shop for accessories in our Market Hall area and pick up their flat-packed furniture in our self-serve warehouse before checking out. Our restaurant serves the iconic Swedish meatballs and a wide variety of other dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options. We also have great family-friendly features such as a babycare room and play areas throughout the store.
What kind of career can you build working for IKEA?
SC: Working at IKEA is inspiring, fun, and fast-paced and the career opportunities are endless. We believe in our people and that our growth comes from giving our co-workers the opportunity to contribute and develop. I’m thrilled that half of the jobs at IKEA Halifax are full-time — and part-time co-workers receive guaranteed hours every week. Additionally, all co-workers have access to our Total Rewards package, which includes the One IKEA Bonus, TACK program, subsidized meals, a co-worker discount and RRSP matching. We’re proud that our store is contributing more than 300 direct and indirect jobs to the local economy.
I understand your building is highly innovative. Can you tell me a bit about it?
CK: IKEA’s commitment to sustainability is a natural extension of our vision to create a better everyday life for people. IKEA Halifax was constructed to be the most sustainable IKEA store in Canada and will also be the first LEED-certified IKEA store in Canada. Sustainable features include electric vehicle charging stations and preferred parking for hybrid and electric vehicles, free lightbulb and battery takeback services, rooftop solar panels and a geothermal energy system that provides roughly 50 percent of the building’s heating and cooling. This store is the first IKEA store in Canada with a living wall, featuring live plants fed with natural light at the entrance to the restaurant area.
How does IKEA give back to the community?
CK: IKEA wants to have a positive impact on people and the planet and be a partner for positive change globally and locally. We partner with organizations including UNICEF, Save the Children and UNHCR. Each IKEA store in Canada also chooses local partners to support. In November, IKEA donated $1 from every breakfast sold to the Breakfast Club of Canada, which helps provide school children with a daily breakfast. Locally, we have a focus on Admiral Westphal Elementary, Ian Forsyth Elementary and Caledonia Junior High — and we’re planning a co-worker event to pack breakfasts. IKEA Halifax co-workers and local Tree Canada staff also planted 107 trees and shrubs in Birch Cove Park, in May. Since our opening, we have donated $5,000 in products to Phoenix Youth Programs and $1,000 to Alice Housing.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
SC: IKEA is keen to improve life at home and to understand the needs and dreams of Canadians in Atlantic Canada. We’re excited to bring to Nova Scotia what people know and love about IKEA. Our new store is full of ideas and inspiration, so customers can experience our product range and see what works best for them. I hope as you explore our new IKEA store you’ll recognize Atlantic Canada in our room settings and homes.
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