Burbank Ikea opens in a big way
How big is the nation’s largest Ikea? At 456,000 square feet, the justopened store in Burbank makes the original Burbank location seem like a boutique.
Yet other than much improved access and parking, more space and products — Ikea’s entire catalog is now available on site — not much has changed. And that’s a good thing.
Families have always been welcome at Ikea, and that remains. The new store — which is just up the street from the old location — features a play area and ball pit for kids that is designed to look like a Swedish forest, activity kiosks throughout the showroom, and family bathrooms.
The mix of modern, traditional and Swedish designs will be familiar to Ikea fans along with those mysterious Swedish names like Soderhamn and Ingatorp. Expect small-space installations, including a micro apartment, and multiple computer stations for planning kitchens and entertainment areas. The As Is section was already stocked with furnishings at a recent press preview, and the Swedish Food Market was equipped with marinated herring, lingonberry jam and licorice candy. And, yes, there are the popular Swedish meatballs with chicken and vegetable options in the restaurant.
In a nice touch, each room installation features a plaque detailing flooring, paint, tile and wallpaper sources — even if it is not an Ikea product. The plaques also list the dimensions of the room to help shoppers get a sense of scale.
The restaurant, which seats 600, is especially inviting, with loads of natural light, views of Griffith Park and Interstate 5, ample seating and more activity kiosks for kids.
Those who frequented the original, now closed location will be relieved to know that you can now push your shopping cart to a flat underground garage or outdoor lot that accommodate 1,700 cars. This was not permitted in the shared parking lot at Burbank Town Center, which meant you often had to leave your goods unattended while you raced to get your car to the loading area.
Bottom line: The new Ikea is the same old Ikea, just bigger and more user-friendly.