Submitted by Sandy Morley
 
It appears the arrival date is almost here! Portlanders have been waiting anxiously for the doors to the new Ikea to open since we first heard rumors over two years ago. The date scheduled is for 9 am on July 25th – not soon enough for many of us! The 280,000 square foot store is the second Ikea to open in the northwest. Many locals have made the trek to Renton (just south of Seattle) to pick up Ikea goodies, but with gas prices so high it has been almost more affordable to order from online.
 
Our Ikea store will be located on 19 acres near the Portland International Airport. (There is already some controversy over the giant sign obstructing views of Mount Hood and the gorge.) The best news for Portland may be that Ikea plans to hire 400 locals which will hopefully boost our economy.
 
Many of our home buyers joke that their first stop after receiving keys to their new home will be to Ikea to pick out furnishings, accessories, and utensils. I know that my 55 day count down until it opens can’t possibly go fast enough!