TADIC: Ikea to open five department stores in Serbia

Ikea plans to expand its operations in Serbia and open the first out of five new department stores in late 2013, the Office of the Serbian President said in a statement.

As it was announced, representatives of the Swedish company informed Serbian President Boris Tadic that the company's long-term plan was to open two department stores in Belgrade and one in Novi Sad, in Nis and in central Serbia.

- In a talk with Ikea's representatives, Tadic expressed great satisfaction with the company's decision to invest in Serbia - reads the statement.

The statement also reads that Chief Executive Officer of Ikea Mikael Ohlsson introduced Tadic to the current status of the company's investment in Serbia and confirmed their determination to further develop operations in the Serbian market.

- Tadic expressed full support to the plans of Ikea in Serbia, pointing out that government and local institutions would assist, in accordance with their capacities and powers, in resolving all outstanding issues to enable efficient implementation of this important investment, which will create new jobs and provide numerous opportunities for the development of the domestic industry - it is stressed in the statement.

Ohlsson underlined that he saw a great potential in the expansion of cooperation with local suppliers.

- Aside from Vranje-based Simpo, with which we've been cooperating for more than 20 years, and the factory Jasen-Lukic from Paracin, Ikea also seeks other suppliers in Serbia - said Ohlsson.

Ikea intends to start the construction of the first department store in Serbia, which will be situated in Belgrade, as soon as possible.

- Provided that all administrative procedures are completed and that necessary permits are granted, Ikea is ready to open its first department store in late 2013 - the Office of the President of Serbia announced.