IKEA Richmond marks 50 years since its first Canadian store opened

IKEA Richmond opened on Oct. 2, 1976, marking the company’s first location in Canada. Fifty years later, IKEA says it has been part of Canadians’ everyday home life, from first apartments to growing families. Selwyn Crittendon, CEO of IKEA Canada, said in a news release that the company remains focused on making well-designed, functional home furnishings more affordable and accessible to Canadians.

IKEA Richmond is holding three days of anniversary events from Oct. 2 to 4. The schedule includes a traditional lion dance at 11 a.m. Saturday, furniture assembly races, a Kallax store-and-organize competition, “guess how many” contests, an in-store hunt for iconic IKEA products, and family-friendly activities, prizes and surprises throughout the weekend.

The anniversary offers are inspired by 1976. White Agam junior chairs will be on sale for $9.76 on Friday only, down from the regular price of $69.99, while supplies last. White Kallax shelves measuring 77 by 147 centimetres will be half price on Saturday and Sunday, reduced from $99 to $49.50, with a limit of 500 units per day. IKEA Canada will continue offering one “iconic” product at 50 per cent off each weekend throughout October.

As IKEA Richmond grew, it moved from its original location at 435A No. 3 Road, now 4351 No. 3 Road, to Sweden Way, and later to its current location at 3320 Jacombs Road.