JOHOR BARU, Nov 16 — A log-sawing act gimmick, the Swedish traditional culture which symbolises a "new beginning”, officially marked the opening of Ikea Tebrau, the first store in southern Malaysia and the biggest store in South-east Asia, today.

Members of the public had started queuing up from as early as midnight last night, and 20,000 people were expected to visit the store which opened at 10am today.

After much anticipation, the public will come acrossthe unique Ikea shopping experience at the store, which spans 502,815 square feet and features 54 Swedish-inspired showrooms.

Store Manager, Annie Chandler said prior to setting up the store, Ikea had conducted numerous home visits.

"The home furnishing showcased at the store is well-suited for the local market and their increasingly urbanised lifestyle,” she said at the opening ceremony here today.

Also present were Ikea South-east Asia Retail Director Mike King and Johor’s Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee Chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong.

King said Ikea’s presence in Johor would ultimately set another benchmark of home furnishing market here while providing healthy competition to other providers.

He also said Ikea’s green concept store would also encourage and increase the public’s awareness in adopting such practices in their daily lives.

For a hassle-free journey to and from the store, customers can take the free shuttle from Larkin Sentral and Keretapi Api Tanah Melayu Bhd Museum which is next to Johor Baru Sentral.

Apart from that, Ikea has also partnered with Grab in conjunction with the store’s opening, and customers can use the promotion code ‘IKEATEBRAU17’ to enjoy an RM8 discount for two Grab rides from November 16-31.

The promo code is valid for all Grab services in Johor Baru.

Additionally, there will be various limited-edition deals and in-store activities for the entire family, such as face painting, balloon sculpture clowns and balloon giveaways, mascot appearances and more during the opening day and the weekend.

The store is open from 10am to 10pm (Sunday-Thursday) and 10am to 11pm (Friday-Saturday and public holidays). — Bernama