IKEA Tampa Fan Blog

Friday night is family night at IKEA Tampa! Kids Eat Free! Free Kids Craft Activity!

2011-03-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Each Friday, enjoy Family Night at IKEA Tampa!

Children ages 12 & under eat free from 4pm to 8pm. (Dine-in only. One per child. No adult purchase necessary)! Kids can choose from one of three combo meals created just for them.

Plus, on most Fridays there's a free hands-on kids activity from 5pm to 7pm (in the 2nd level Restaurant, unless otherwise noted).

So bookmark this page; and visit often to see what's cookin' during Family Night at IKEA Tampa.

Upcoming Crafts:

April 22 - Prepare for Easter, Swedish-style, by painting colorful eggs with us.
April 29 - Have fun making an Earth-friendly craft project with recycled items.

May 6 - In preparation for Mothers’ Day, decorate an IKEA OVANLIG vase for someone special.

May 13 - Join us to create your very own flower-- like the colorful blooms in May.

May 20 - Design a turtle shell to help increase respect and awareness of these special creatures in support of World Turtle Day.

May 27 - Memorial Day is right around the corner. Prepare to celebrate by making a flag magnet for your patriotic celebration.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at IKEA Tampa with a special dinner -- Mon., Feb. 14th from 5pm to 7:30pm

2011-02-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

This just in from the folks at IKEA Tampa...

"Bring your family, friends and sweetheart to IKEA Tampa, Monday, February 14, from 5 pm-7:30 pm for a special Valentine’s dinner featuring your choice of beef tenderloin, chicken piccata, or soy ginger glazed salmon; oven roasted potatoes; shitake mushroom risotto; salad or soup; coffee or tea; and an assortment of tempting desserts for only $14.99. For your little Hearts, our regular children’s menu features three items for just $2.49. We will even take care of your tray and refill your complimentary HEDLIG Champaign flute with a sparkling beverage! Reservations are required. For more details or to make a reservation please call, 813-623-4042, ext.1208"

Literacy Celebrated at IKEA Tampa Oct. 18 – 25, 2009

2009-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

This month marks the 30th year the IKEA BILLY bookcase — one of the cornerstones of the IKEA concept — has supported a better everyday life for many people through its use in home libraries by millions of families throughout the world. To commemorate this milestone, IKEA Tampa is partnering with other Tampa Bay organizations to help all families, regardless of income, build a home library of their own, as well as to encourage reading through special events in the store from Sunday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 25.

On Monday, Oct. 19 at 10am, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio will proclaim Oct. 19 – 25, 2009 “BILLY Book Week” in Tampa prior to reading a story to all DeSoto Elementary School second-grade students at the IKEA restaurant. Following the Mayor’s book reading, the children will stay for a free BILLY Brunch.

Throughout the week, Tampa Bay area mascots will lead BILLY Book Readings:

Sunday, Oct. 18 · 2pm to 4pm: University of South Florida’s Rocky the Bull & friends

Tuesday, Oct. 20 · 6pm to 7pm: Tampa Bay Rays’ Raymond & friends

Saturday, Oct. 24 · 2pm to 4pm: It’s All About Kids’ Buzz the Literacy Bee & friends

Sunday, Oct. 25 · 2pm to 4pm: Tampa Bay Lightning’s Thunderbug & friends

All story events take place in the BILLY Book Room, located in the IKEA Showroom Wall Units & Media Storage department (2nd level).

In Småland, IKEA’s free, supervised play area for children 37” to 54” tall, kids can enjoy the classic Norwegian tale of Three Billy Goats Gruff and special crafts from Oct. 18 – 25, all day, every day. Plus, from Oct. 19 – 25, all children 12 years old and under, eat free in the IKEA Restaurant!

BILLY Book Drive... From Oct. 18 – 25, customers, alongside IKEA Tampa co-workers, are encouraged to bring new and gently-used books for children, tweens, and teens to the store. In partnership with DeSoto Elementary School, a Tampa Title I school located near IKEA Tampa, books collected will be sorted and classified according to grade and reading levels and then donated to DeSoto Elementary School children to help the children and their families develop a home library of their own. IKEA will donate five BILLY bookcases to the school for their own library.

A second BILLY Book Drive collection site is located at Century Buick Pontiac GMC, 3308 West Hillsborough Ave., Tampa.

A birthday gift for all Billys... Also from Oct. 18 – 25, in celebration of the BILLY bookcase 30th birthday, any person named “Billy” who is 18 years or older and also celebrating a birthday between Oct. 18 – 25, can receive a $30 IKEA Gift Card (redeemable with valid ID at the IKEA Self Serve Check Out). Plus, everyone visiting IKEA Tampa Oct. 18 – 25 can enter to win two other BILLY birthday gifts: “Win a Buick Enclave for a Day” or “$100 IKEA Gift Card.”

Tampa Bay Lightning Family Weekend at IKEA Tampa: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4, 2009

2009-09-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup champion and fan-favorite Dave Andreychuk hosts a commemorative puck drop at IKEA Tampa on Friday, October 2 at 7:00pm to launch an IKEA Tampa/Tampa Bay Lightning partnership for the 2009-10 season. The October 2 announcement starts the “Lightning Family Weekend” at IKEA, with a game plan that promises fun for people of all ages!

Friday, October 2, 6pm to 8pm: Friday Night “Face Off”

The Bolt Brigade, Lightning Girls, and Lightning fan-favorite Dave Andreychuk. Fans can check out the new Lightning mobile marketing truck & trailer, an interactive unit which brings Lightning hockey on the road. Chances to win Lightning game tickets courtesy of IKEA Tampa, and prize giveaways. After the 7pm commemorative puck drop, Dave Andreychuk will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Bring your camera!

Saturday, October 3, 1pm to 4pm: Slap Shot Saturday

A special appearance by Thunderbug (2pm to 4pm) and Bolt Brigade. Free commemorative pictures (1pm to 3pm). Chances to win Lightning game tickets courtesy of IKEA Tampa, and prize giveaways.

Sunday, October 4, 1pm to 3pm: Sunday Scramble

Last opportunity to score Lightning game tickets courtesy of IKEA Tampa, and prize giveaways. Free commemorative pictures.

“This partnership is designed to support the economic development of the Channelside/Ybor City residential and entertainment districts through unique cross-promotions,” says IKEA Tampa Store Manager Monica Varela. “Channelside and Ybor City have so much to offer residents from throughout the Tampa Bay area; we are thrilled to reach out to our neighbors to provide additional promotional activity to help all our businesses.”

For more information on the activities and promotions resulting from the IKEA / Tampa Bay Lightning partnership, please click here.

IKEA Tampa Fans on Twitter

2009-09-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

@IKEATampaFans is on Twitter!! For the latest updates on your favorite Tampa store, 140 characters at a time, please visit us here... http://twitter.com/IKEATampaFans

You don't have to be signed up to Twitter to read the updates, but it makes it a lot more fun if we can "tweet" with you. See you in the Twitterverse!

Larger-Than-Life IKEA Bottles to "Wash Up" at the St. Pete Pier This Weekend!!

2009-05-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

LARGER-THAN-LIFE BOTTLES BEACHSIDE NEAR ST. PETERSBURG PIER CONTAIN MESSAGES FROM HOMES AND FREE MEALS

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today revealed plans for oversized glass bottles displaying IKEA products to convey ‘messages’ near the St. Petersburg Pier throughout Memorial Day weekend. Tampa Bay-area residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience the furniture and inspiration found inside the new IKEA Tampa – which opened May 6, 2009 near Ybor City – while still enjoying the sun and sand during their holiday weekend.

The four giant ‘message’ bottles, each upward of 6-feet tall, respectively, will contain a life-sized chair, bookshelf, bed and children’s furniture. In addition, IKEA representatives will be distributing 6,000 smaller bottles containing a ‘message’ asking passers-by if their homes are trying to send them a message. Each mini-bottle’s scroll will include a coupon for a free meal in the IKEA Tampa restaurant. Visitors to this IKEA ‘Message in a Bottle’ event also will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win an EKTORP seating arrangement – a set including an armchair, love seat and sofa. The event will run from Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25 in the Waterside Courtyard at the St. Petersburg Pier. Free meal coupons will be valid through June 14, 2009.

“We wanted to continue the fun and outreach begun with the May 6 grand opening of IKEA Tampa,” said Monica Varela, store manager of IKEA Tampa. “Since IKEA offers solutions for the home, we want to provide Tampa Bay-area residents and visitors the opportunity to see our affordable, stylish and functional furnishings, while still allowing them to enjoy the beach. And, if they’re hungry and looking for a place to eat over the weekend or during the next few weeks, they can come to our restaurant with their coupon and get a great, free meal.”

"Where has your Blue Bag been?" Contest

2009-05-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

Enter IKEA's eco-friendly "Where has your Blue Bag been?" contest to win travel & gift card prizes!

Share your unique photo, blog, video or digital photo/art that showcases just how you might use or 'wish' to use your IKEA Blue Bag. You could win a fabulous trip to an eco-friendly destination or a spa retreat and an IKEA Gift Card worth up to $100. Plus winners every week will win a $100 IKEA Gift Card. Click here to get started. Or here to see the entries already submitted.

IKEA Tampa Opens!!

2009-05-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

To read all about today's IKEA Tampa grand opening festivities, and to see all of the photos from today's celebration, please click here. (You do not need a Twitter account to view the pics or read the tweets.)

Here are just a few pics...

This pic is of Shelby, she was first in line! Shelby and her brother and friends were super nice and fun, just really great people!!

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and IKEA Tampa Store Manager Monica Varela sawed a ceremonial log in half which officially opened the new store at 9am. "Sawing a log in Sweden actually brings good luck to the new home and its future guests," Ikea spokesperson Joseph Roth said. "We view Ikea Tampa as our new home ... so we really like to inaugurate in the same way and welcome all these visitors who are going to be guests in our new home."

In addition to brief remarks by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Varela was joined by Tampa Council Chairman Thomas Scott who raised the U.S. flag; Honorary Swedish Consul B-G Holmberg who raised the Swedish flag; and Special Assistant to the Governor Michelle Todd who raised the Florida flag.

The lines were long, but the time flew by with a lot of entertainment and freebies. Everyone was in by 10am-ish.

Upon entering the lobby, hundreds of IKEA Tampa co-workers greeted very excited shoppers with thunderstick and cheering...

“We are excited to bring the unique IKEA family-friendly shopping experience to the Tampa Bay area and beyond,” said Varela. “The enthusiasm the IKEA Tampa coworker family felt about this big day and about opening the store translated into excitement and a great shopping experience for customers.”

Last but not least, meatballs for breakfast at the new store! (When you get up at 5:30am, meatballs at 10:30am actually doesn't seem that odd :)...

IKEA Media Day and Store Tour - A Sneak Peek Inside!!

2009-05-01T19:02:00.001-07:00

This past Wednesday was a fantastic day! Yours truly and just about every news outlet in Tampa were present for a wonderful media event at the new IKEA Tampa. The event started at 12:30pm with a grand Swedish lunch buffet, followed by tours of the store and wonderful parting gifts (including cinnamon buns and PS tealight holders).

We even had the opportunity to jump in the ball pit in Smaland. On average, I believe that each of us took about a million photos. Check out these links to see a sneak peek inside the new IKEA Tampa...

We tweeted live from inside the store via the iPhone... to see the tweets and the pics that were posted during the event, check out @IKEATampa on Twitter here

TBO IKEA Tampa Preview Tour Photos

Creative Loafing IKEA Tampa Photo Tour

Lakeland Ledger IKEA Tampa Photos

93.3 FLZ IKEA Tampa Photo Gallery

Metromix Stockholm Syndrome: The Shopping Edition IKEA Tampa Photo Gallery

IKEA Tampa Fan Page now on Twitter!

2009-04-24T14:22:00.001-07:00

You can now follow the IKEA Tampa fan page on Twitter. The IKEA Tampa Twitter account will be updated frequently with IKEA Tampa grand opening news, and anything else IKEA Tampa related. To visit the IKEA Tampa fan page on Twitter, please click here.

A Sneak Peek... taking the "Natural Path"

2009-03-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Arriving at IKEA Tampa...

IKEA Tampa Lobby

IKEA Tampa Smaland

(Kids' Play Area and Ballroom)

IKEA Tampa Showroom

IKEA Tampa Children's Furnishings

IKEA Tampa Restaurant

(Home of the world famous swedish meatballs!!)

IKEA Tampa Stairs

(Leading from Restaurant to Market Hall)

IKEA Tampa Market Hall

IKEA Tampa Self-Serve Area

(Flat-Packed Furniture Warehouse)

IKEA Tampa Loading Dock

IKEA Tampa Administrative Area

Photos courtesy of Joseph Roth (IKEA North America Director of Public Affairs) and The Tampa Tribune

We Have a Date!! IKEA Tampa to Open on May 6, 2009

2009-03-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

March 5, 2009

IKEA ANNOUNCES ITS TAMPA BAY STORE WILL OPEN MAY 6

TAMPA, FL – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that its future Tampa store will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 . It will be the Swedish company’s 3rd store and restaurant destination in Florida, 6th in the Southeast, and 37th in the United States. Until the 353,000 square-foot IKEA Tampa opens, customers can shop at stores in Orlando, FL and Sunrise, FL or at www.IKEA-USA.com.

“We are thrilled at the excellent construction progress made in the summer and fall, and believe the remaining construction milestones and interior build-up process will be complete by May – much earlier than originally envisioned,” noted Monica Varela, store manager of the future IKEA Tampa. “Now our primary goal is hiring and training the 400 local hires who will be joining the IKEA coworker family before we open.”

IKEA Tampa will present 10,000 exclusively-designed items, 49 room settings, 3 model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 350-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries or salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas in the store.

The 353,000-square-foot future IKEA Tampa, with 1,700 parking spaces, will be built on 29 acres along Adamo Drive at 22nd Street and the Crosstown Expressway, and will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.

This new IKEA store created 500 construction jobs and, on May 6, it will welcome 400 new coworkers into the IKEA family of more than 11,000 coworkers across the U.S. and 120,000 globally. Although IKEA Tampa is progressing through outfitting phases, prospective coworkers still can apply for diverse positions available in home furnishings sales, customer service, cashiers, receiving, warehouse and stock replenishment. IKEA Tampa also offers food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Foodmarket, Bistro and staff cafeteria.

There currently are more than 290 IKEA stores in 36 countries, including 36 in the U.S. , where other new stores will open in: Centennial, CO and Somerville , MA . Since its 1943 founding in Sweden , IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA has been ranked inFORTUNE’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list (three years in a row), Working Mother magazine’s annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” (four years in a row) and Training magazine’s annual “Top 100” ranking of companies that excel at human capital development (five years in a row). IKEA incorporates environmentally friendly and socially responsible efforts into day-to-day business, and continually supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. For more information about IKEA, and about working at IKEA, please go to www.IKEA-USA.com

Joseph Roth to Speak about IKEA at Tampa Downtown Partnership's "Downtown Debriefing" Breakfast

2009-03-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

When: Tuesday, March 17, 2009

7:30 am Registration

8-9:00 am Program and Breakfast

Where: The Tampa Club

101 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 4200

Cost: $20 TDP Members

$25 TDP Potential Members

$160 Corporate Table (seats 8)

Contact: Kimberly Finn

kfinn@tampasdowntown.com

"The most significant retail development ever to hit Tampa will open midyear on the boundary of downtown. The 353,000 square-foot IKEA Tampa will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items home related items. This international retailer, opening just off Adamo Drive east of the Channel District, will be a major destination and significant economic catalyst. IKEA is known for incorporating environmentally and socially responsible efforts into day-to-day business, and for continually supporting initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. Come hear what IKEA means to Downtown Tampa and what Tampa means to IKEA."

- From the Tampa Downtown Partnership website

IKEA Charlotte is Now Open... Tampa is Next in Line!!

2009-02-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

It's official! The next IKEA to open in the US is IKEA Tampa! Yesterday, the IKEA Charlotte staff welcomed hundreds of really happy shoppers to the newest IKEA store, despite the cold temps and lots of rain...

To hear details from the day, please check out Ms. Eva's IKEA Charlotte opening day post "What a Day!" and her Positive Fanatics guest blog entry "Coming to You from the Charlotte Grand Opening".

You should also check out Charlotte's Creative Loafing article "Charlotte's stimulus plan is yellow and blue". Lots of fun opening day photos to browse.

Photo courtesy of Positive Fanatics

IKEA Charlotte Opens Tomorrow!! Happy Campers!!

2009-02-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

There are only two US IKEA stores opening in 2009...Tampa and Charlotte. The IKEA Charlotte store will open at 9am on Wed., Feb. 18, 2009. Campers braved the 20 degree weather yesterday as they began lining up at 9am, 48 hours before the new store will open its doors.

What We Have To Look Forward To...

2009-02-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb 11, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that when its Charlotte store opens on February 18, it will recognize loyal, enthusiastic customers by giving away thousands of dollars in gift cards and merchandise - including an iconic Scandinavian armchair for each of the first 100 adults in line. (Customers may begin lining up at 9 a.m. EST on Monday, February 16 in advance of the doors opening at 9 a.m. EST on Wednesday, February 18, 2009.) Additionally, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory will join IKEA U.S. president Mike Ward, and IKEA Charlotte store manager Richard Castanon in the official opening ceremony that will inaugurate the new store.

The February 18 ceremony also will include Charlotte District 4 Councilmember Michael Barnes raising the U.S. flag, Honorary Swedish Consul for the Carolinas Magnus Natt och Dag raising the Swedish flag and Mecklenburg County District 3 Commissioner George Dunlap raising the North Carolina flag. Entertainment for customers waiting in line will begin at 6 a.m. EST. "Just as our store will bring the unique IKEA family-friendly shopping experience to the greater Charlotte area and throughout the Carolinas, we are thrilled to offer promotions to ensure that waiting in line to visit IKEA Charlotte will be an exciting and memorable event," said Richard Castanon, IKEA Charlotte store manager.

Visitors to the store will have many opportunities to benefit from IKEA Charlotte's grand opening.

-- Take a Seat (And We Mean Take It!) - The first 100 adults (18 and over) in line at the IKEA Charlotte grand opening on February 18, 2009 will receive a free POANG armchair.

-- Pick a Card, Any Card - The first 2,500 people to visit IKEA Charlotte on February 18, 2009 will receive a random prize envelope with IKEA Gift Cards ranging from $10 to $250, or a "Buy One, Get One Free" cinnamon bun, hotdog or frozen yogurt voucher.

-- You Say It's Your Birthday - Visitors who bring proof to IKEA Charlotte on February 18 that it is their birthday will receive a $10 gift card.

-- For the (Truly) Young at Heart - The first 100 children (under 18) in line at IKEA Charlotte's grand opening on February 18, 2009 will receive a free FAMNIG heart-shaped cushion.

-- Enter to Win When Entering our Home - From February 18 through February 22, 2009, visitors to IKEA Charlotte may enter a drawing to win one of ten $1,000 IKEA Gift Cards. IKEA will match the prizes (a total of $10,000) with a donation of home furnishings to 'Classroom Central,' a local provider of school supplies to teachers of underprivileged children.

-- Play Big and Eat Big (If You're Little!) - Entertainment for kids such as balloon artists and face-painting will take place at IKEA Charlotte from February 18 through February 22. Kids also can enjoy a macaroni-and-cheese meal with a fountain drink for 99c.

Embrace Change '09: Create Your Ideal Oval Office

2009-01-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

Visit http://embracechange09.com/

Create your ideal oval office...then email it to a friend or to the White House.

IKEA SEEKING 400 TO JOIN SWEDISH FAMILY

2009-01-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

Recruitment Underway for Store Opening Summer 2009 in Tampa, Florida

TAMPA, FL – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced it has begun the recruitment process for its future Tampa store, set to open Summer 2009 in the Ybor City-area. Candidates interested in working at the future IKEA Tampa – the Swedish company’s 3rd store and restaurant destination in Florida, 6th in the Southeast, and 37th in the United States – should look online (www.IKEA-USA.com) for all available positions at the future store. Candidates without access to a home computer are encouraged to visit a local library for online computer access.

“We are thrilled to offer interested jobseekers diverse positions with limitless opportunity at a global company,” said Monica Varela, store manager of the future IKEA Tampa. “At IKEA, we realize that the ability to do the things in life that bring success and happiness is extremely valuable to our coworkers.”

While IKEA Tampa progresses through construction and outfitting, a variety of positions are open to local residents. Prospective coworkers are welcome to apply for the nearly 400 diverse positions as postings are available in: home furnishings sales, interior decoration, customer service, safety and security, cashiers, maintenance, goods flow, receiving, warehouse and stock replenishment. Also, setting itself apart from other retailers in the area, IKEA Tampa will offer – among the 400 total positions to be hired for the store – approximately 75 food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Foodmarket, Café Bistro and coworker cafeteria.

Named in FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list (three consecutive years), Working Mother magazine’s annual list of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” (four consecutive years) and Training magazine’s annual “Top 100” ranking of companies that excel at human capital development (five consecutive years), IKEA places value and emphasis on coworkers’ personal lives and the importance of a work/life balance.

Drawing from the company’s Swedish heritage, IKEA is committed to a flexible workplace that emphasizes a work/life balance and provides professional opportunities to people from all life situations. If an IKEA coworker needs to take time off to find a nursing home for an aging parent, be home to kiss their child before bed or have flexible scheduling to best juggle caring for a newborn, one can do so without worrying about risking their career aspirations.

IKEA offers family-friendly initiatives and diverse workplace benefits including full medical/dental insurance to coworkers working 20 hours or more per week with eligibility for domestic partners and children. Coworkers working less than 20 hours still are eligible for medical and dental insurance.

Other benefits include: vacation, paid maternity/paternity leave and paid time off for child adoption, tuition assistance, 401(k) match, professional development, training and mentoring programs and, of course, a discount on IKEA purchases. The organization puts career opportunity into the hands of the individual, encouraging coworkers to consider assignments within different functions, at other IKEA stores or even in other countries. IKEA prides itself on the fact that an opportunity to work at IKEA truly can evolve into a career, and also can serve as a gateway to global experience as well.

Under construction on 29 acres along Adamo Drive at 22nd Street and the Crosstown Expressway, the 353,000 square-foot IKEA Tampa will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, three model homes, 50 room settings, a supervised children’s play area, a 350-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features will include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas throughout the store. Also, IKEA will generate significant tax revenue for state and local governments. When IKEA Tampa opens in Summer 2009, the new store will welcome 400 coworkers to the IKEA family of more than 11,000 coworkers in the United States and 130,000 globally.

Welcome to Tampa, Monica!!!

2008-12-11T06:35:00.000-08:00

19 Year IKEA Veteran to Lead Ybor City-Area Store Opening Summer 2009 as 3rd in Florida

IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, today announced the appointment of Monica Varela as store manager for its future store on track to open Summer 2009 in Tampa, FL.

"Monica's retail store experience with IKEA, as well as her product life-cycle management expertise, has prepared her for managing this store in Tampa."

"IKEA recognizes the strong customer base for us in the Tampa Bay area, so I am pleased about providing these 100,000 customers with a store of their own," Varela said. "Also, I look forward to introducing new customers to our unique family-friendly shopping experience and wide selection of stylish, functional and affordable home furnishings."

Varela, who relocated to the Tampa area from South Florida, started at IKEA after working at several department store chains. A native of Havana who grew up in Barcelona and Philadelphia, Varela joined IKEA in 1989 as U.S. sales manager responsible for textiles. In 1997, she moved to France to be a commercial/supply manager within the IKEA Distribution Services team. Two years later, Varela joined IKEA Spain as the country sales leader, and then as assistant store manger for sales at a Madrid-area IKEA store. In 2004, Varela returned to the U.S. as assistant store manager for sales at IKEA Elizabeth (NJ) near New York City. Three years later, Varela was named deputy store manager at IKEA Sunrise (FL) where she served until now becoming store manager of IKEA Tampa.

Photo courtesy of the St. Pete Times.

TBO Article: Tampa Ikea May Begin Hiring In January, Store Says

2008-12-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

Article and Photo Courtesy of TBO

By Michael Sasso, The Tampa Tribune

December 9, 2008

"Ikea, the mammoth furniture retailer known for Swedish designs and Swedish meatballs, may begin recruiting workers by January.

An Ikea representative gave media tours today of the showroom under construction on Adamo Drive just south of Ybor City. The store will be the company's largest in Florida at 353,000 square feet, about 40,000 square feet larger than Ikea's Orlando store and 60,000 square feet larger than its Sunrise store, said Ikea U.S. public affairs director Joseph Roth.

Recently, the company finished interviews with job candidates for roughly 50 open management positions at the store, most of which will be filled by local candidates. The company also has hired a store manager, 19-year Ikea veteran Monica Varela, who most recently helped open the company's new South Florida store.

Ikea's Tampa store will employ about 400 people, and the company expects to begin recruiting for nonmanagement positions in January. Roth would not reveal the company's pay scale.

Construction is on schedule for the store to open in the summer, although the company doesn't have a date."

10/28/08 IKEA Tampa Press Release

2008-11-16T14:56:00.000-08:00

ICONIC BLUE EXTERIOR TRANSFORMS FUTURE Tampa bay ikea STORE

Blue Walls Now Visible on Swedish Retailer’s Tampa Store Opening Summer 2009

TAMPA, FL – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today noted that exterior painting essentially is complete for its store opening next spring in the Ybor City-area of Tampa . This iconic blue painting represents another milestone in the build-up of the future store, and ensures IKEA Tampa will reflect the unique blue and yellow architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.

“With our walls mostly painted, we continue to advance other exterior and interior work as part of the build-up effort,” said Michael Maier, IKEA real estate manager. “We are turning the physical structure into what our many Tampa Bay customers have come to appreciate as an IKEA store. We know they are anxious for us to open.”

TBO Article: "Some Assembly Required"

2008-10-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

"If you happen to pass the construction site for the Ikea store going up at Adamo Drive and 22nd Street in Tampa, you might think the project is on a fast track. Since clearing the land in April, construction crews have erected the walls, and within the next several weeks, steel framing to support the roof should be in place, said Joseph Roth, a spokesman for the furniture and housewares chain. Roth said the company is moving at a steady pace to meet the construction timeline. The 350,000-square-foot store is expected to open as planned in the summer."

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2008

The Walls are Up! Part 2

2008-08-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

Top Photo: The West Wall

Bottom Photo: The East Wall

The Walls are Up!

2008-08-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

This just in...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2008

CONSTRUCTION OF IKEA TAMPA ADVANCES WITH KEY WALLS NOW UP

Swedish Retailer’s 3^rd FL Store and 6^th in Southeast on Track to open Summer 2009

TAMPA, FL – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today noted all major walls are upright and in place for its future store opening next summer in Tampa , FL. The 353,000 square-foot IKEA Tampa, with 1,700 parking spaces, will be built on 29 acres along Adamo Drive at 22^nd Street and the Crosstown Expressway, and will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.

IKEA Sweepstakes and BIG News Alert for Tomorrow

2008-08-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

IKEA wants to know more about you! Why? So they can send you personalized eNewsletters filled with the news, tips and offers you really want. Their recently redesigned member page makes it fun and easy to tell them a bit about how you live and work. And, you can request a 2009 catalog there, as well. Click here and either complete a new online registration or update your current registration by September 14 and you will be entered in the What's New With You Sweepstakes. You could win one of 90 $50 IKEA Gift Cards, or even one worth $500!

Also, make sure you pick up a copy of the St. Pete Times tomorrow, as the City Times section will be featuring yours truly, along with other IKEA lovers, and even a few people that are...well let's just say...still trying to find their way, bless their little hearts ;)

The New IKEA 2009 Catalog is Here!!!

2008-08-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

How exciting!!! Go here to check it out! (And remember to take your IKEA 2008 catalogs to IKEA on your next visit, as they are recycling them.)

The Unofficial IKEA Tampa Poster has Arrived!

2008-06-24T09:32:00.001-07:00

If you would like a larger version of this image, so that you can print your own IKEA Tampa poster at home, just send me an email. Enjoy!

The Secret IKEA Tampa Plans

2008-06-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

OK, so they aren't really a secret...but we were able to catch a quick peek at the working blueprints for the new IKEA Tampa store, during the recent groundbreaking.

Displays at IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking

2008-06-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

IKEA ordered the items pictured below from the IKEA Orlando store, and had them shipped to Tampa for the groundbreaking. After the groundbreaking, the items were donated to the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County.

IKEA Tampa Fan Blog "Featured" in Local Tampa Blog

2008-06-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

IKEA Tampa Fan Blog is pleased to report that we have been featured (aka linked to :) in a blog about IKEA fanatics, written by Tampa's very own funny man, Clark Brooks. You can read the original blog here, and also read the posting on Sticks of Fire here. I am flattered that Mr. Brooks chose to link to this blog, and my hope is to convert Mr. IKEA Hater to a Swedish-meatball-lovin'-allen-wrench-using-flush-up-for-number-one-and-down-for-number-two IKEA groupie, even if it means several trips to IKEA Orlando dragging him kicking and screaming...

IKEA Groundbreaking Treats

2008-06-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

Treats included Ballerina Cookies, Kex, Anna's Swedish Thins, Dalecarlia Chocolates, Daim, Swedish Fish, and Gille Cookies.

IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking Posters

2008-06-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

These posters were on display at the groundbreaking...

IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking Souvenir

2008-06-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the very cool IKEA Tampa Groundbreaking souvenirs that we each received. I know that I will personally be buying a STRIND side table to permanently display mine on.

Groundbreaking Photo

2008-06-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Councilman John Dingfelder , District 4, Michael Maier, IKEA Eastern Real Estate Manager, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Councilman and Chairman Thomas Scott, District 5, Joseph Roth, IKEA Director of Public Affairs, North America, Charlie Miranda, District 6, Unknown and B-G Holmberg, Honorary Swedish Consul of Florida.

With Movement of Shovels, IKEA Inches Closer

2008-06-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

There were only three of us who attended the groundbreaking yesterday that were obviously not part of the media, city or county government or sent to represent our place of employment. The St. Pete Times reporter, Emily Nipps, sought us out as she wanted to write about the excitement that is brewing around the new IKEA Tampa store. I was busy taking a million pictures and Charlene was saving our second row seats, so Claire took it for the team and gave Emily a great interview which you can read here.

June 4, 2008 Groundbreaking Day

2008-06-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hej IKEA Tampa groupies! I am pleased to announce that as of today, Tampa now has its own official, unofficial place for all things IKEA Tampa. I was thrilled to be able to attend the groundbreaking today and will be posting the photos and more details from the big event very soon. In the meantime, enjoy this short video excerpt from today's event...