After many delays, IKEA Israel has announced that its second store, located in Rishon LeZion, will open on March 9, 2010. IKEA Israel owner Matthew Bronfman announced the date today. The Central Regional Planning and Building Commission subcommittee for objections approved the plan for Meuyan Soreq, the final stage in the planning process, last month.

The new IKEA store will have 24,000 square meters and will employ 500 people. The store cost NIS 400 million to build, including construction and internal infrastructures.

In November, the Rishon LeZion Municipality began widening Road 4311 between the city and Palmahim, in order to accommodate the increased traffic to Meuyan Soreq.

IKEA Israel franchisee Bronfman Fisher Investments Ltd. owns the land through Iris Hagilboa Construction and Development Ltd. Bronfman said, "We’re excited ahead of the opening of the second IKEA Israel store. We have no doubt that the store will contribute to the prosperity of the entire region, just as the IKEA store in Netanya contributed to the development of the Poleg area.

"The opening of the second store is another step in the chain's deployment plan in Israel, which currently calls for three stores. Turning IKEA Israel into a chain will enable it to further consolidate the brand's vision: to allow as many people as possible to enjoy well designed good-quality products at low prices."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 20, 2009

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