Over 32,000 meatballs sold on IKEA Batu Kawan’s opening day

PENANG (March 16): Thousands thronged IKEA Batu Kawan in Penang on its opening day on March 14, and gobbled up over 32,000 of the Swedish retailer’s famous Swedish meatballs. 

More than 23,600 curry puffs were also sold on the first day of operations at IKEA’s fourth store in Malaysia, said the home furnishing store in a press release.      

Customers had come from Penang and various parts of Northern Malaysia for the opening, 

"It's a surreal feeling to finally welcome our beloved fans to our new home here in Batu Kawan. We've been gearing up to this very moment and the turnout was phenomenal!” said store manager Pathmalingam Arumugam.

The 470,146 sq ft store offers more than 8,000 home furnishing solutions, 

"In addition to the IKEA experience that Malaysians have known and loved, customers will enjoy customised offerings suited for the local market including room sets that are fitted to the local living style, an original wall mural entitled The Trishaw Captain, hand painted by Penang resident artist Thomas Powell, and favourite local delicacies served together with our well-known Swedish favourites,” added Pathmalingam. 

Throughout the opening weekend, customers can enjoy special deals as well as a variety of in-store activities for the whole family such as face painting, balloon sculpture clowns and balloon giveaways, mascot appearances and more. There will be exclusive opening offers for IKEA FAMILY members, food offers, limited edition Trishaw Captain canvas printing and meet-and-greet with mural artist Powell.