Thousands throng Ikea Cheras on opening day

- Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of people converged on Jalan Cochrane in Cheras here for the opening of Ikea Malaysia's newest outlet on Thursday.

Customers were seen arriving at Ikea Cheras as early as 5am to ensure they were able to obtain promotional items and massive discounts available specially for its opening celebration.

According to Ikea Malaysia and Singapore retail director Mike King, one enthusiastic shopper showed up at 11.30pm the night before to be the first visitor at the store.

To kick off "Malaysia's Biggest Housewarming Party", Ikea Cheras hosted invited guests and media members to a Swedish breakfast bash at 7am.

Sweden's ambassador to Malaysia Bengt G Carlsson cut a log in a traditional ceremony that signified new beginnings and thereafter declared the branch open.

The store, Ikea's biggest one yet in the country, boasts 42,000 sq m of retail space, with 56 roomsets and a repertoire of over 8,500 products.

Its restaurant has 780 seats while there are 1,762 parking bays for cars.

Ikea Cheras is a five-minute drive from the Kuala Lumpur city centre and will also connect to the Cochrane MRT station, which is scheduled for completion in 2017.