Ikea to open Sarasota store in mid-November

Global furniture company Ikea has set an opening date for its Sarasota store. The location in the University Town Center shopping district will begin welcoming customers on Nov. 18, according to the Ikea Sarasota website.

The storefront a147 N. Cattlemen Road has been under construction for months, between DWS and Golf Galaxy near Target and REI, since the retailer first announced in April it was coming to Sarasota.

The Sarasota Ikea will occupy about 48,000 square feet. That is smaller than the brand’s traditional big-box store, which spans about 300,000 square feet. Ikea previously told the Business Observer that it plans to have about 46 employees staffing its Sarasota store.

About 5,000 items will be on display in Sarasota, of which 3,000 will be available for immediate takeaway, including home furnishings like textiles, lighting, accent pieces and more than 100 smaller furniture items. Larger items like sofas and beds can be ordered online or in store, for free pickup or delivery at cost. An "as-is section" will feature gently used products and discontinued items at discounted prices. There will also be a planning area where experts can help customers design kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as other spaces.

The location will have a deli area called a "Swedish Bite” featuring dishes including meatballs, falafel balls, cinnamon buns, plant balls and veggie dogs for in-store dining or takeout.

On its website, the Sarasota Ikea store is promoting “early Black Friday deals,” including up to 30% off sectionals and sofas, up to 20% off select dining tables and 20% off select dinnerware through Nov. 24.

Photo by Elizabeth King

The Ikea at UTC will be the sixth store for the company in Florida. Others are in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Sunrise. There are also “plan and order” points that offer pickup at select Best Buy locations around the state, including in Lakeland.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, for opening day. After that, the Sarasota store will be open Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.