MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(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 Memphis, Tennessee store opening on December 14, 2016. This initiative reflects the continued partnership with 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.
“Installing EV charging stations at the future IKEA Memphis reinforces our commitment to sustainability,” said store manager Trisha Bevering. “As a retailer, IKEA realizes a focus on 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 Memphis, 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, which is free and typically provides 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 the goal of being energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind turbines, including 104 in the U.S.
Under construction on 35 acres along the southwestern side of Interstate-40 near Germantown Parkway, the 271,000 square-foot future IKEA Memphis, and its 800 parking spaces, will open late Fall 2016. Until then, Memphis-area customers can shop at IKEA stores in: Atlanta, GA; Frisco, TX; or St. Louis, MO; or online at IKEA-USA.com. Last month, IKEA completed Tennessee’s largest rooftop solar array atop the store.
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 380 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 42 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.
