Israel: IKEA opens new store near Beit Shemesh
The new store will be obligated to follow Health Ministry restrictions due to COVID-19
Swedish furniture and interior design giant IKEA opened its sixth store in Israel today in the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh, Globes reported on Sunday.
The company has invested NIS390 million (US$110 million) in the new establishment, which opened despite numerous violations committed during its construction.
The Jerusalem District Appeal Committee last week decided to ignore construction-related offenses due to the creation of additional jobs during this period of high unemployment as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
The new IKEA covers more than 25,000 square meters, with 39 rooms displaying 8,000 products on sale. The new store has 380 employees, including management, customer service, cashiers, logistics and warehouse staff, along with catering staff.
The outdoor car park includes nearly 900 free parking spaces.
The other five IKEA stores are located in Netanya, Rishon Lezion, Kiryat Ata (near Haifa) and Beersheba. A space reserved for kitchens has been installed at the Tel Aviv port.
During this coronavirus period, the new IKEA in Beit Shemesh will, like all other brands, be subject to the regulations of the Health Ministry.
The number of customers authorized to enter the store at the same time will be limited, temperature checks will be conducted at the entrance of the facility and the wearing of a mask will be compulsory inside.