Canadian shoppers’ love of IKEA home furnishings seems to be stronger than ever, even after 40 years in the local marketplace, which started with the first Canadian store in Richmond on No. 3 Road near Cambie Road back in 1976.
With the passing of Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad last month, the Richmond News throws back to one of his most cherished lasting legacies in Richmond – the ball pit.
The ball pit photo pictured above was submitted by long-time Richmondite Ken Moffatt. Here, Ken, on the right, fools around with brother Robert Moffatt, in 1980 at the No. 3 Road location, which was eventually relocated to Jacombs Road.
“Parents were able to drop their children off at the ballroom for free babysitting which allowed them to take their time and walk through the whole store at their own pace,” said Ken.
"I recall being fascinated with the little plastic balls and how you could fearlessly dive into them or be suspended among them. I remember digging deep enough to reach the concrete floor, and being sort of disappointed that the balls didn't just go on forever," said Robert.
The existing Ikea was rebuilt in April 2012 and now boasts 334,000 square feet of shopping, including Richmond’s third Ikea ball pit.
And yet another Ikea legacy is coming to Richmond this spring as Ikea plans to open a new 340,000 square-foot distribution centre located at 7031 York Road in Richmond, to service Western Canada’s four stores.
Another local legacy of the Swedish company was the naming of Sweden Way, connecting Vulcan Way and Bathgate Way.
