CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced the appointment of David Garcia Gatto as manager of its future store opening Summer 2017 in Columbus, OH. Until IKEA Columbus opens as the 44th U.S. IKEA store and second in Ohio, customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores in: West Chester, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; and Canton, MI; or online at IKEA-USA.com.

“We are very excited about opening a store in Columbus, where there are many IKEA customers as well as others who may not know us yet, but are anxious for us to open,” said IKEA U.S. president Lars Petersson. “David’s background at IKEA stores in several countries has resulted in a wealth of experience he will bring to managing the future IKEA Columbus.”

“IKEA recognizes the customer base that exists in Central Ohio, so I am pleased about providing the 160,000 customers who currently are shopping at IKEA – as well as future new customers – with a store of their own,” Garcia said. “At the same time, I also am excited about growing IKEA culture among new coworkers from the Columbus community.”

A native of Rio Primero, Argentina, Garcia, who relocated to Columbus from Long Island, New York, joined IKEA Spain in 2008 following seven years as sales manager and business controller at two different European retail groups. After four-and-a-half years as the controller and operations manager at one of the Barcelona-area IKEA stores, Garcia joined IKEA Russia as a controller in the operations department. In 2013, he became the deputy national controller and operations manager for the IKEA Russia retail organization. Two years later, Garcia became controller and operations manager of the IKEA store in Hicksville, NY on Long Island where he served until now becoming IKEA Columbus store manager.

The 354,000-square-foot future IKEA Columbus and its 1,200 parking spaces is being built on 33 acres at the northeastern corner of Interstate-71 and Gemini Place in the Polaris Centers of Commerce development. The store reflects the unique architectural design for which IKEA is known worldwide and will include one of Ohio’s largest rooftop solar arrays, consistent with the solar presence at 90% of IKEA U.S. locations.

IKEA Columbus will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 450-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking. And – in addition to 500 jobs expected during construction – 300 coworkers will join the IKEA family when the store opens. Opportunities will be available in Spring 2017 for candidates interested in working at this employer of choice. IKEA Columbus also will provide annual sales and property tax revenue for local governments and schools.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 390 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA has been ranked among “Best Companies to Work For” and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.