COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced plans to install three Blink® electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its future Columbus store opening Summer 2017 as Ohio’s second such store. This initiative reflects the continued partnership between IKEA and Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTC: CCGI), the owner of the Blink Network and Blink EV charging stations, and the largest provider of EV charging services with thousands of public EV charging stations in 36 states and two countries. There currently are EV charging units at 16 IKEA stores in the United States.
“Installing EV charging stations at the future IKEA Columbus reinforces our commitment to sustainability,” said David Garcia, store manager. “As a retailer, IKEA realizes that a focus on the sustainable transport of people can help empower customers to live sustainably. So, meeting the needs of EV drivers helps achieve both goals.”
To charge an EV at the future IKEA Columbus, drivers can tap their Blink InCard (RFID card) to the reader below the screen, initiate the session directly from the Blink Mobile application, or use a guest code provided via the Blink Mobile app, www.BlinkCode.com, or Blink Customer Support (888-998-2546). Once the session is initiated, drivers can plug the charger into the EV, and then shop and eat at their leisure in the IKEA store while the vehicle is charging. EV drivers can become a Blink member for free and typically receive discounted charging fees at Blink EV charging stations. More information about how to use the Blink EV charging stations and becoming a Blink Member is available at blinknetwork.com.
Drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, IKEA believes it can do good business while minimizing impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating environmental measures into buildings with energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process, and selling only LED bulbs. Consistent with its goal to be energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels on buildings worldwide and owns nearly 350 wind turbines, including 104 in the U.S.
Under construction on 33 acres at the northeastern corner of I-71 and Gemini Place in the Polaris Centers of Commerce, the 354,000-square-foot future IKEA Columbus and 1,200 parking spaces reflects the unique architectural design for which IKEA is known worldwide, and will include one of Ohio’s largest rooftop solar arrays, consistent with the solar presence at 90% of IKEA U.S. locations. In addition to 500 jobs created by construction, 300 coworkers will join the IKEA family when the store opens. Positions currently are posted online, with remaining opportunities available in Spring. Until IKEA Columbus opens as the 44th U.S. IKEA store and second in Ohio, customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores in: West Chester, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; and Canton, MI; or online at IKEA-USA.com.
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 390 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA has been ranked among “Best Companies to Work For” and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.
