IKEA to open first flagship store in Sultanate at Oman Avenues Mall
In light of the changing retail landscape, the Oman Avenues Mall has embarked on an all-encompassing transformational journey to stay relevant
IKEA said it will open the doors to its first flagship store at Oman Avenues Mall on June 19, 2022. The two-storey, 25,000sqm outlet will include ‘cutting-edge customer experience technology and will offer inspirational and unique home furnishing ideas.’
In light of the changing retail landscape, the Oman Avenues Mall has embarked on an all-encompassing transformational journey to stay relevant, Al Taher Group, the developers behind the mall, said. This has included macro-scale infrastructure augmentation, a statement from the group noted.
Accessible through Sultan Qaboos Street, the new development will be connected to major population centres via dedicated flyovers, bridges and the recently expanded roads. The developer also explained that all complementary work for the launch of IKEA is close to being completed. The mall has introduced 550 parking bays on the roof level directly connecting the parking lots to the cinemas, the food court, and the family entertainment centre on the second level, as well as an additional 500 parking bays to the lower ground level.
“With innovation, design and value behind every component mapped out, we can affirm that we are positioned to take on large-scale projects to meet the demands and serve the community. As we are nearing the launch date of IKEA Oman, the road infrastructural works are progressing towards completion. By adding IKEA to its retail portfolio, Oman Avenues Mall will further enhance its offerings whilst simultaneously creating an inviting atmosphere,” said Eng Saud Mohammed Al Khalili, Development Director, Al Taher Group.
Harnessing technology and digitalisation, the mall developers have fitted smart navigation stands, interactive digital screens, wall projectors to assist in room planning and product selection and much more, Khalili said. Shoppers will be assisted by digital signage and in-store technology to locate the most suitable furniture, visualise room layouts and schedule deliveries in the shortest time.
Intent on delivering a smarter and more personalised shopping experience, the mall has focused on digitising customer service as well as elevating innovation and sustainability, he commented.
The new Ikea store will have over 9,000 articles covering living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and other home décor selections. Furthermore, products will also be available virtually through a comprehensive, user-friendly website. The premises also include a 400-seat restaurant.
“We are ecstatic to be hosting the country’s very first IKEA megastore at Oman Avenues Mall. After analysing people’s demands, we realised the gap in the market and worked on delivering the best solution to future-proof the mall by hosting a globally renowned brand like IKEA. The trust retailers have in us is a testimony of our dedication and perseverance to continue offering our services,” said Ashraf Ali M A, Executive Director of Lulu Group International, which manages the mall.
In June, 2022, Oman’s Khimji Ramdas Group said it will support the construction of a new vocational centre for AEIC and, in the same month, it was announced that Oman’s 1,800m long zipline could be operational by Q4, 2022.
