IKEA to open Winnipeg store in November

Construction on the facility at Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway has been underway for months.

Fans of IKEA  can now circle a date on their calendars.

Officials with the company announced the Winnipeg store will open on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Construction on the home furnishing retailer's facility at Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway has been underway for months.

"The store is 395,000 square feet, so it will be the largest IKEA in the country,” said Stephen Bobko, store manager for IKEA Winnipeg.

An IKEA in Montreal, however, is set for an upgrade in 2013 and, once completed, it will take the title for largest IKEA in Canada.

The facility will employ more than 300 staff members. IKEA said it expects about 10,000 people will visit the store on its opening day.

IKEA's popularity means drivers will also likely face heavy traffic on nearby roads.

"It is going to be intense around the IKEA location.  People are going to be coming from all over the province, and probably from the U.S. to come to this store,” said Jino Distasio, director of the Institute of Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg.

IKEA said it will hold an opening ceremony on Nov. 28 at 8:20 a.m.

The store will include "55 inspirational room settings" along with a restaurant that can seat 650, said officials.