October 16, 2018 Editor’s Note: In mid-2018 IKEA announced the cancellation of planned stores in Nashville, TN; Cary, N.C.; and Glendale, Ariz. The retailer also announced a new business model in mid-2018 focusing on improving online sales and creating small-scale IKEA stores in the heart of urban centers. No announcement has been made regarding the Marietta location, but there is speculation that a second large-scale store 15 miles from an existing large-scale IKEA might not be compatible with their new business model.
December 4, 2018 Editor’s Note: Recent articles from the MDJ and AJC related to the proposed Marietta IKEA:
November 28, 2018 – https://www.mdjonline.com/news/nearly-a-year-later-no-news-on-marietta-ikea/article_d84703ae-f35a-11e8-b74f-63ac23442dc3.html
December 4, 2018 – https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt–politics/ikea-timeline-for-marietta-store-not-yet-determined/bY1dau5VKhqcaesS4dxvZL/
Original article published in December 2017:
A new IKEA store is coming to the Franklin Gateway Corridor in Marietta. The new store will join other top brands like Atlanta United FC and The Home Depot Technology Center.
The IKEA Marietta store will be built on the site of the former Marquis Place apartment complex which the City purchased through the 2013 Redevelopment Bond in July 2015 and an adjacent property consisting of 6 acres for a total footprint of 34 acres. Store plans, comprising over 300,000 square feet, will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide. According to City Manager, Bill Bruton, this will be the largest single retailer development ever built in Marietta and Cobb County.
“After 10 successful years in our Midtown location, we are excited to expand our presence with a new store in the Atlanta-area,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. president. “This proposed Marietta store will bring the unique family-friendly shopping experience closer to customers in Cobb County and beyond.”
Mayor Steve Tumlin said, “I am both honored and delighted today to continue to bring the message to the City of Marietta that Franklin Gateway is open for business! We are excited to announce that IKEA will open its second store in Georgia in the heart of our Franklin Gateway corridor. This international company with locations in 49 countries will offer a positive shopping experience for both Marietta residents and visitors alike thus bring with it a positive impact on Marietta.
It is a community effort to attract such a major company, and we would like to thank everyone who has joined together to make this possible. From the original vision with the City’s investment of the 2013 Redevelopment Bond, to ongoing streetscape improvements on Franklin Gateway, and forward-thinking investment in infrastructure by our Board of Lights and Water, the City has been laying the groundwork for continued economic development in the corridor.”
Mayor Tumlin added, “With IKEA becoming part of the Franklin Gateway Community, more job opportunities for our community will be created along with a quality shopping experience. With IKEA joining another icon, Atlanta United, on Franklin Gateway, MARIETTA is proud to welcome this landmark international company who is now placing an exclamation mark on Franklin Gateway as an outstanding and desirable destination point in the Metro.”
