One of the biggest names in global retailing, IKEA, has confirmed that its first store on the island of Ireland will open outside Belfast in December next.
The Swedish furniture retailer is opening its 29,000 square foot store on the outskirts of east Belfast on 13 December.
It will be one of the group's biggest stores and will carry the full range of almost 10,000 items.
It will also have Ireland's largest restuarant, with seating for 560.
There are plans for a second IKEA store off the M50 in the Ballymun area of Dublin, but it is unclear when construction of it will begin.
The company says it is still committed to opening an outlet in the Republic of Ireland.
