It was June 9, 2009 when Ikea arrived on the outskirts of Rimini, immediately becoming one of the most loved and familiar places in the city. Since then the shop has welcomed almost 17 million visitorsaveraging more than a million per year, served 800 thousand portions of meatballs and the best-selling products were the Pax wardrobe and the Billy bookcases.
A bond between the Swedish brand and the citizens of Romagna which has grown and enriched over the years thanks to an offer of practical, accessible and sustainable products and furnishing solutions, and to the company’s ability to renew itself over time to respond to the tastes and needs of local customers, meeting their needs at different stages of life.
To celebrate this special anniversary with the public, Ikea Rimini will give life to a rich week of initiatives, workshops and free creative laboratories that will liven up the Romagna store from Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 June, involving large and small visitors.
“Since our arrival in the city, we have felt welcomed and an integral part of this warm community made up of concrete, friendly and generous people. We want to return the affection received by celebrating this important birthday with all those who have chosen us and continue to do so to make their home better” declares Gezim Dogs, Market Manager Ikea Rimini. “We have worked over the years to be an integrated and active part of the territory, faithful to our vision of creating a better daily life for the majority of people, strengthening the strong bond that unites us with this beautiful city day after day, promoting an idea of home that is more attentive to the needs of people and the environment”.
In line with Ikea’s commitment to becoming a company with a positive impact on the climate by 2030, there are various initiatives implemented by the Rimini store to reduce environmental impact.
In the coming months, an energy requalification will be started through the renewal of existing solar panels with new generation products. 100% of the electricity used by the shop comes from renewable sources, there is a rainwater collection and reuse system and 100% of the lighting is LED. Furthermore, 100% electric vans will soon be supplied with a plan linked to last mile logistics which will lead to making all deliveries to customers’ homes in zero emissions mode by 2025.
A bond between Ikea and Rimini which, over the years, has also translated into support and development of over 36 social projects activated in the area together with various local organizations committed to helping the most vulnerable, with the aim of restoring a sense of home to those who have lost it, offering not only their own products, but also the expertise and care of the many collaborators workers involved. Among the numerous initiatives promoted and supported, over the last year Ikea has taken the field alongside the institutions and associations of the Emilia Romagna area, with an important donation aimed at the communities most affected by the floods.
Over 2,500 pieces of furnitureincluding beds, wardrobes, bedside tables, chests of drawers and shelves, were intended for citizens of the municipalities of Cesena, Faenza, Forlì, Imola, Ravenna and the Lower Bolognese area through collaboration with “Il Barco” Solidarity Emporium Association ODV-ETS, Pro Solidarietate Foundation – Caritas of Faenza And Pope John XXIII Community.
The Rimini store represents an added value for the area also in terms of economic and employment impact: in fact they are 235 co-workers who work inside the store, of which women represent 64% and 52% hold managerial positions.
