IKEA packs a punch with footfall

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The UAE's booming real estate sector has triggered phenomenal growth for the furniture chain.

Home furniture and furnishing solutions chain IKEA has reported record customer figures for 2007, according to its GM.

IKEA stores welcomed 3,794,803 customers, which equates to 82% of the total UAE population.

"2007 saw a sharp increase in sales with a steady flow of over 20,000 customers every Friday to the Dubai Festival City store. In December, 10% of the total UAE population visited IKEA stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi," said Mile Franicevic, general manager, IKEA UAE.

"Despite the fluctuations in the Euro against the US dollar, IKEA has maintained consistent low prices over the last five years. The booming real estate market in the UAE is fuelling this upsurge in the furniture retail industry. We anticipate this continuing as development projects are realised throughout all seven Emirates."

A member of the Al-Futtaim Group, IKEA first opened in the UAE in 1991 through a franchise agreement with Inter Ikea Systems B.V. The brand now operates its flagship store at Dubai Festival City and another store at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

IKEA currently operates 274 stores in 36 countries. This year IKEA plans to open an additional 30 stores worldwide.

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