Local News

Ikea of Sweden, the world’s largest specialty manufacturer of furniture, held the groundbreaking ceremony for its first Kyushu shop in Shingu-machi, Fukuoka Prefecture. Though there has been shrinkage in the furniture market because new housing starts in the region are down due to the economic downturn, Ikea thinks its sophisticated designs and inexpensive prices will attract customers. This is expected to lead to intensified competition in the sector as the company will go head-to-head with the furniture companies in Okawa. The shop is scheduled to open in April next year.