New Ikea store opens in Renton

RENTON -- A new 399,000-square-foot Ikea store opened Wednesday, replacing the old store in the same location.

The new store includes a children's play area, a 600-seat restaurant that offers a full Swedish breakfast and, at 244,000 square feet, the state's largest rooftop solar panel array.

Ikea co-workers cheer during an opening ceremony for the new IKEA store in Renton, Feb. 22, 2017. Ikea co-workers cheer during an opening ceremony for the new IKEA store in Renton, Feb. 22, 2017. Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Photo: GENNA MARTIN, SEATTLEPI.COM Image 1 of / 53 Caption Close New Ikea store opens in Renton 1 / 53 Back to Gallery

Ikea was founded by 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad in Älmhult, Sweden. The first store opened in 1943. Since 2008, it has been the world's largest furniture retailer, and specializes in ready-to-assemble furniture that has (frustrated) those brave enough to assemble the store's various lines of desks, beds, cabinets and other large items.

The company reported that as of December 2016, Ikea owns and operates 392 stores in 48 countries.



