Swedish based IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, announced on Thursday (5/25/2017) that it plans on constructing a 341,000 square foot facility that will be accessible from a new Hickory Hollow Parkway interchange, just north of the Rutherford County line.
IKEA Nashville's proposed 36-acre site is part of Century Farms' master-plan on the western side of Interstate 24, and south of Bell Road in the Antioch area. Before construction of IKEA begins, a new Hickory Hollow Parkway interchange must be created along with land and infrastructure development of the massive 300-acre mixed-use development.
Officials estimate that pending approvals, construction of IKEA Nashville could begin in Spring, 2019 with an opening in Summer, 2020.
IKEA U.S. President Lars Petersson said, "We are excited at the possibility of growing our southeastern U.S. presence with a Nashville store. This location would provide our already 140,000 Nashville-area customers their own store and introduce the unique IKEA shopping experience to others throughout Middle Tennessee."
Store plans for IKEA Nashville will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide. IKEA also will evaluate potential on-site power generation to complement its current U.S. renewable energy presence at nearly 90% of its U.S. locations.
More than 500 jobs for Davidson, Rutherford and other nearby workers would be available during the construction phase, along with approximately 250 co-workers joining the IKEA family when the new store opens.
Drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, IKEA believes it makes business sense to minimize environmental impacts and contribute to a low-carbon society. IKEA evaluates locations for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; key measures in buildings with energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, warehouse skylights, and water-conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process, and selling only LED lighting. IKEA U.S. has installed electric vehicle charging stations at 27 locations and solar arrays at 90% of its locations, and owns two U.S. wind farms.
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at affordable prices. There are currently more than390 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA has been ranked among "Best Companies to Work For" and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.
The new store would feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children's play area, and a 450-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries, salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a 'Children's IKEA' area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking.
Again, IKEA Nashville plans to open in the Summer of 2020. It is just north of Rutherford County, and off a new Hickory Hollow Parkway interchange that will be constructed. NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed.
