PICTURES: Excitement as IKEA officially opens new store in Carlow

As part of its extensive expansion plans in Ireland, IKEA has officially opened its fifth Plan and Order Point - in Carlow.

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Located in Fairgreen Shopping Centre, in Carlow Town, the new store joins Naas, Cork, Drogheda, and St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre in Dublin as IKEA planning destinations.

IKEA Carlow Plan and Order Points is a specialised IKEA store focused on bespoke kitchen and wardrobe design planning. It offers customers access to home furnishing advice and expertise, supporting customers in designing, delivering, and installing their ideal kitchens and bedrooms. 

Four people have been recruited to work in the store, all from the local area, to support customers designing their dream kitchens and bedrooms.

Cheryl Beckett, deputy Market Manager, IKEA Ireland, said: “Finally we bring a touch of Swedishness to the south-east of Ireland. IKEA is so loved by many around here and we’re excited to bring this smaller store to the area. We offer a free planning service of beautiful and functional kitchen and bedroom solutions, always at an affordable price. We can also help people with their other IKEA purchases, such as ordering a sofa or a wardrobe.”

One of the first people to arrive at the new store was Marion O’Gorman, from Ardattin in Carlow. “I’ve seen IKEA on the television, but I have a fear of driving to IKEA in Dublin, and it is so convenient and handy to have it now in Carlow. I am building a new house and I wanted to get ideas for the new build. It’s been absolutely fantastic, and I will be back,” she said.

IKEA is also ramping up its investment in its flagship store in Ballymun, Dublin. In February, a major €4.5m project to upgrade the store’s façade and car park will commence.

Inside the store, the retailer has just opened an all-new children’s department as well as a refurbished bedrooms department.