The 427, 000 sq. foot, three-story, super-structure is also being touted as Canada’s most sustainable IKEA store.  This, because it is designed to be 40% more efficient than IKEA’s last store, built in 2004.  In addition to its highly reflective rooftop aimed at reducing solar heating in the summer, Ottawa’s new IKEA will also feature a take-back recycling program for bulbs and batteries, parking spots for hybrid/fuel efficient cars, and improved waste management for both office and retail floors.

Last night, I was among more than 100 media representatives and bloggers invited for a sneak peak, an invitation I’d have been crazy to turn down.  Especially for this girlaboutOtown, who ain’t so great in crowds!  According to various reports, IKEA is expecting upwards of 13, 000 visitors on it’s opening day, complete with contingency traffic plans should things get out of control.  Sheesh.

Arriving in time for the last tour of three, I was fortunate to get plenty of face-time with the highly knowledgeable, super-enthused Ottawa Store Manager, Isabelle Auclair.   Here are a few things I learned while walking the winding 1.3 km trail:

Canada’s largest IKEA replaces its smallest.  That’s right.  Our IKEA was the smallest space-wise, and only carried 4,500 of IKEA’s best selling products.  This explain the weekend lines.  Just not enough space for all the Ottawa folks buying IKEA stuff!

Our new IKEA will now stock double the products, in every department.  Yup.  You can find 9,500 products, if you try.  (tee hee)   Oh, and IKEA’s internet site features only those products in their catalogue, which means the only place you’ll find everything is in store.  Very clever.

Ottawa’s store has done very well in IKEA terms.  Apparently, we’re an ideal market.  IKEA faces very little competition from other retailers, and we offer a generous supply of their target customers – between 25 and 45, with families.

The number of staff at the store has also risen, with more than 100 new employees added to the team.  That’s 340 people and more than one manager on duty at a time.  Per section.

IKEA Canada remains landlord, so construction will continue over at its former property.  Apparently, the old store is being renovated to accommodate Sears.  Stay tuned…

Assuming you find parking on ground level, the store is designed for customers to work their way down.  In other words, the showrooms (there are 54) are situated on the third floor, where no carts are necessary, with the marketplace and warehouse located  on the second.  This means you start on the third floor, check out on the second floor, and then head back downstairs with stuff in hand to load your car.  Isabelle assured me the 36 checkouts, four freight elevators, the escalator and staircase should be plenty to prevent a bottleneck.  I’m going to wait and see on the logistics, although I’m pretty sure the folks at IKEA have figured it all out.  They’re a pretty smart bunch.

Lastly, for those of us that note the important details, you may recall the old store had only 4 women’s washroom stalls.  I’m still waiting on a final count from IKEA officials, but I can assure you this store has many more!  No more desperate moments…

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Internet site reference: http://www.girlaboutotown.com