HYDERABAD: Last week at a house party, the topic of conversation that reigned supreme was Ikea’s arrival in Hyderabad, mostly by Spring 2018. However, most of the excited ones (read: future patrons) are already making their way to the Hej Home set up by the Swedish furniture giants at Forum Sujana Mall, Kukatpally. Hej means ‘hello’ in Swedish, so it is a way to welcome the Indian customers here. This experiential store which was unveiled on November 22 will stay for around six months. Although they hardly have 10 percent of IKEA’s total collection at the Hej home, it gives people a fair idea of what they can expect when the store is finally here.
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It is interesting to note that the Swedish furnishing company, headquartered in the Netherlands, has over 400 stores worldwide in over 49 countries. It was established in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad. The company’s name is an acronym comprising the initials of Ingvar Kamprad (name of the founder), Elmtaryd (the farm where he grew up), and Agunnaryd (his hometown in Småland, southern Sweden). “Beautiful and functional design should be for the many, not the few,” Ingvar Kamprad had once said and that’s the philosophy creators at Ikea follow. Democratic design, functionality, and sustainability are some of the core principles of IKEA.
As you like it
We made our way to check out the Hej Home and was warmly welcomed by John Achilea, Managing Director, IKEA, Telangana and his team. Just as you step in, what grabs your attention is a snugly made bed, at the activity bedroom podium, a sign on top of which reads, “Comfort for the mum, dad and the little ones”.
Indeed the bed with fluffy pillows, colourful comforters, and a soft toy, the bed looks perfectly made; as though someone could hop on it right away. They have designed the bedroom, keeping in mind that here the children, mostly live in with their parents. So there are beds on either side, perfect for two children. And the cupboards are spacious and will appeal to even those who are extremely picky about having things organised. The modular kitchen set-up makes use of recycled PET bottles.
Here are
Some facts about the furnishing giant
Ikea in India has tied also up with for with Varanasi-based Rangsutra that is a community-owned craft company consisting of artisans from remote Indian regions
At IKEA, most of the fabrics are sourced as responsible as possible
Their brochure promises 25 stores in India by 2025
After the Hyderabad store, the second store will open in Mumbai during 2019, followed by Bengaluru
and Delhi NCR