Shopping at IKEA. Crowded day expected
Photo: David Hacohen
IKEA expects Election Day bonanza
Planning on shopping at IKEA on Election Day? You're not alone. Successful store expects 15,000 visitors, sales to jump 50 percent next Tuesday
Election Day in Israel is day off for most employees and also in schools and kindergartens. As such, many people plan on venturing out to recreation and entertainment spots and shopping malls that, in turn, are preparing accordingly.
Sources at IKEA, one of Israel's most successful stores, said they expect 15,000 people to visit the store on Election Day. The figure would mark an increase of 15 percent from the last elections in January 2003 where 13,000 people visited the store.
Shlomi Gabai. IKEA's general manager, estimated that sales will increase by 50 percent this coming Tuesday, while noting that elections will take place right before the upcoming Passover holiday, which usually indicates an increased demand for redecorating, shopping for furniture, household items, and gifts.
"We expect that many people will arrive to complete their large purchases planned for Passover – dining sets, living rooms, kitchens, all of which can found in one place", Gabai said.
IKEA plans to bolster its staff next Tuesday in anticipation of increased sales. THe store will also boost personnel in the restaurant and in the kids' zone, which offers all sorts of activities for children. IKEA believes that entire families will arrive to at the Netanya store, north of Tel Aviv, on Election Day and is preparing to accommodate the children by offering special activities.
