We welcome the decision of IKEA to open the first store in Ukraine, namely in Kyiv. About this Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said during a meeting with representatives of IKEA South East Europe.

"I congratulate the decision of IKEA to open its first store in Ukraine. And I'm glad that this first store will be in the capital - in Kyiv, - said Vitali Klitschko. - We have worked together to implement this idea. We met last year in Davos, and at the end of last year here in Kyiv. And I am glad that cooperation has come to the stage of realization", - he added.

Vitali Klitschko noticed that the capital's authorities made significant efforts to attract investors and foreign companies to the Kyiv market. In particular, the openness and transparency of all management processes in the capital were introduced. Also, the mayor assured that the city government will continue to work hard to simplify the business environment.

"Today, we minimize bureaucratic processes and eliminate administrative barriers. In order for a business to be supported by local authorities, - said Vitali Klitschko. - And we are interested in the successful work of IKEA in the capital, as the company is popular in Ukraine, offers affordable products, provides high-quality service. And we hope that you will soon open another one, and later, the next stores in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities", - he said.

Vitali Klitschko said that Kyiv residents have been waiting for the opening of the first IKEA store in Ukraine for a long time. Because they already appreciated the goods offered by the company. However, because of its absence in Ukraine, they were forced to use the services of intermediaries, who deliver products to our country.

IKEA will open its first store in a new urban format in Kyiv in 2019. This will be one of the first stores of this kind in the world. The Kyiv store will be located in the new shopping mall "Ocean Mall". The shopping center is planned to be opened in 2019 next to the "Ocean Plaza" shopping mall.

"We are pleased to announce our next steps in the Ukrainian market. Taking into account the results of market research and consumer preferences, our team has chosen the most favorable business model that will allow IKEA to realize plans in Kyiv in the nearest future. In a new urban store format, our customers are introduced to the new approach of IKEA to create a better life for as many people as possible", - said IKEA Chief Executive Officer in Southeast Europe Stefan Vanoverbeke. 

Ukraine will become one of the first markets, along with France, Britain, Denmark, the USA and China, where IKEA will open a store in a new format. This will be an IKEA store smaller in size and located in the central part of the city with the possibility of ordering online.

IKEA Southeast Europe also implements IKEA's retail strategy in Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Slovenia. IKEA Southeast Europe is part of the IKEA Group (Ingka Holding B.V.).