IKEA opens first store in Slovenia with strict pandemic measures in place

The opening was symbolically marked with a tree planting conducted by Sara Del Fabbro, CEO of IKEA South East Europe, Cas Lachaert, Market Manager of IKEA Slovenia, Dag Hartelius, the Ambassador of Sweden to Slovenia, and Zoran Jankovic, the Mayor of Ljubljana.

“Today’s store opening cements IKEA’s commitment to Slovenia and paves way for further business development in our newest market. In a time that has challenged us in ways we never could imagine, we are excited to have welcomed our first customers in Ljubljana. Being able to serve the many Slovenian people with big dreams and needs in life at home is our biggest privilege and reward,” said Sara Del Fabbro, CEO of IKEA South East Europe.

IKEA Ljubljana is one of the most centrally located IKEA stores in the world. It covers 31,000 square meters and offers a range of more than 9,500 well-designed products that combine form, function, quality, sustainability, and low price. The store has 52 inspirational room settings that reflect IKEA’s findings into how Slovenians live and what are their main home furnishing needs. Advanced sustainability features were implemented during the store’s construction, including solar panels and vegetation on the roof, geothermal pumps for heating, and rain collection system for water saving.

IKEA’s online store at www.ikea.si was also launched today, allowing customers in every part of Slovenia to find inspiration and have products delivered to their homes. In addition, the Swedish retailer also opened a pick-up point at Ikona Center in Maribor, where customers can collect goods ordered online at reduced delivery rates.

The total value of IKEA’s investment in Slovenia amounts to EUR 90 million. In addition to more than 500 construction jobs created during the store construction, IKEA has employed close to 400 co-workers.