IKEA to Open First Store in Upstate New York

News Summary

IKEA has announced plans to open its inaugural store in Upstate New York at Destiny USA, scheduled to open in fall 2025. The store will occupy a 70,000 square-foot space previously held by At Home and is anticipated to enhance the local economy by attracting visitors and providing a wide range of products. Key features include over 3,000 items for immediate purchase, an ‘As-Is’ department, and a food court with classic offerings. This development aims to revitalize the retail landscape in Syracuse amid ongoing economic challenges.

Syracuse, NY – IKEA has announced plans to open its first store in Upstate New York at Destiny USA, which is expected to welcome customers in the fall of 2025. This new retail location will take over a 70,000 square-foot space that previously housed the home goods store, At Home.

The introduction of IKEA to the Syracuse area is seen as a potential boon for the local economy. Stephen Congel, CEO of Pyramid Management Group, expressed his enthusiasm for IKEA’s arrival, calling it a landmark moment for the company. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh highlighted that the new store would attract visitors from across the region, contributing positively to the local economic landscape.

The upcoming IKEA store is set to offer customers a wide selection of over 3,000 products available for immediate purchase. Visitors will also find fully-furnished room settings to inspire their home design choices. Additionally, there will be a central planning area where customers can collaborate with staff to design and order home furnishings. For larger items like couches and beds, customers will be required to place orders online, with options for home delivery or free in-store pickup.

Alongside the extensive product offerings, the store will feature an “As-Is” department, where shoppers can find gently used, discontinued, and more affordable items. The food court will not be overlooked, as the menu will include popular staples like Swedish meatballs, hot dogs, and cinnamon rolls, making for a complete shopping experience.

The announcement regarding IKEA was officially made on July 7 by the U.S. CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of the company. This eagerly anticipated opening follows a period of financial difficulties for Pyramid Management Group, which owns Destiny USA. The company has faced significant challenges, including the loss of two malls over the past year and a looming potential foreclosure on Destiny USA due to defaulting on a $300 million mortgage.

Recent years have seen Syracuse’s Destiny USA experience a decline in major tenants, losing retailers such as At Home, Lord & Taylor, and JCPenney. The arrival of IKEA is seen as a promising opportunity that could not only draw more shoppers to the mall but also revitalize the area, stimulating further retail development.

The announcement about IKEA’s new store comes on the heels of a social media campaign by Destiny USA that had teased the news. Optimism regarding the future of the mall is palpable, as there are plans underway for new facilities, including a 40,000-square-foot pickleball area and a virtual reality venue to attract even more visitors.

The impending arrival of IKEA marks a significant development in the retail landscape of Syracuse and represents a potential shift towards revitalization for Destiny USA amidst challenging economic circumstances. The combination of product offerings and facilities is designed to enhance the shopping experience and is eagerly anticipated by both local residents and businesses alike.

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IKEA to Open First Upstate New York Store in Syracuse

Additional Resources

• Democrat and Chronicle
• Wikipedia: IKEA
• Times Union
• Google Search: IKEA store Syracuse
• Syracuse.com
• Google Scholar: IKEA economic impact
• CNY Central
• Encyclopedia Britannica: IKEA
• WHEC
• Google News: IKEA Syracuse