Ikea expanding to Johor Bahru with new store by end 2017

Ikea Malaysia is expanding to Johor Baru and plans are underway to open its new store by end 2017 which will be the first in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

The Swedish furniture giant said on Thursday the new store would be near Jalan Desa Tebrau.

Mike King, the retail director for Ikea Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, said the new store “is part of our overall ambition to expand in Southeast Asia and commitment to provide more Malaysians with affordable, functional and well-designed Swedish home furnishings”.

He said the group was inviting Malaysians to join its team to pioneer the set up of the new store. Ikea is embarking on the first phase of recruitment for over 50 positions, including those for the store’s management team.

Openings include positions for the store manager as well as managers and assistant managers for sales, communication and interior design, human resource, sustainability, restaurant, logistics department and more.

“We believe that growing our business and people goes hand-in-hand. We want to work with down-to-earth and straightforward individuals who share the same passion towards creating a better everyday life for the many people,” King added.

It said the Ikea workplaces in Malaysia and around the world were different than most retail environments.

Ikea added that while its brand was successful and strong, its approach was humble and its employees had fun on a daily basis in open, inclusive offices.

“Our leaders enjoy exceptional freedom to take responsibility. We offer a competitive package of rewards – including an incentive plan, medical benefits, employee discounts and opportunities to learn and develop,” it said.