IKEA U.S. announced that the first city center location in the country — the IKEA Planning Studio — will open its doors to the public on April 15.
Located at 999 Third Avenue, the 17,500 s/f new IKEA touchpoint will focus on providing inspiration and smart solutions for city living and small spaces.
“We conducted extensive research about city living, and we believe New Yorkers will see their needs reflected this new concept,” said Leontyne Green Sykes, IKEA COO. “We hope the Planning Studio will serve as a convenient destination for design expertise and stylish, multi-functional home furnishing solutions.”
Ikea has leased the entire retail space, located between 59th and 60th Streets, which consists of 3,710 s/f on the ground floor, 7,580 s/f on the second level, and 6,240 square feet on the lower level. Joshua Roth, Vice President, Retail Leasing for Manhattan Skyline Management Corp. represented the landlord on the deal and the tenant was represented by Eric S. Yarbro, Robert L.Freedman, Jonathan Plotkin, Taylor Bell and Timothy Pond of Colliers International.
“This is an exciting first foray into Manhattan for Ikea and 999 Third Avenue is a terrific location to launch this new concept and shopping experience for its loyal New York City customer base,” said Roth. “It’s perfectly situated in the Upper East Side design district, just across the street from Bloomingdale’s, in a highly-trafficked retail corridor with great access to transportation and the new Second Avenue subway line. With a focus on urban home design, it’s in great company of many like-minded retailers.”
Globally, IKEA also announced the development of 30 new touchpoints in city centers over the next three years to be more accessible and convenient for customers.
IKEA already has four New York stores, in Brooklyn, Elizabeth, Paramus and Long Island as well as a recently opened customer fullfilment center on Staten Island.
99 Third Avenue was formerly the location of Urban Outfitters. Neighboring tenants include Clarks, Design Within Reach, Home Depot, Calligaris, CB2, Jensen-Lewis, D&D Building, Ethan Allen, Roche Bobois, Modani, Hästens, and A&D Building. City Cinemas 123, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Wells Fargo, Starbucks, Mattress Firm, Sunglass Hut, Citibank, TD Bank, GNC, Chipotle and Duane Reade are also nearby.
