Rego Park Ikea Opening Date Pushed Back Due To Coronavirus

REGO PARK, QUEENS — The first Ikea store in Queens was due to open in the Rego Center this summer, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a change of plans.

The Swedish furniture giant now plans to open the new Ikea location this fall, according to a spokesperson, who cited the outbreak of the new coronavirus and the state's shelter-in-place orders as the reasons for the delay.

"While our timeline has shifted a little, we look forward meeting our new neighbors in the future and feel energized by the opportunity to bring a new, more accessible shopping experience to the many customers in New York City," an Ikea spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement.

Ikea announced its plans for the Rego Park store in September 2019.

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The 115,000-square-foot store will include thousands of Ikea products for purchase and takeaway, home delivery, assembly and installation — plus a brand-new food offering.

The upcoming location will feature a new hybrid format with portable products for purchase and "bigger-ticket items" like furniture that shoppers will get shipped to their homes, Business Insider reported.

Instead of the traditional Ikea restaurant, it will offer a new grab-and-go eatery.

The new menu — specifically designed for the Rego Center location — will feature the Swedish company's iconic meatballs, plus salmon and veggie meatballs and a selection of side dishes, according to an Ikea spokesperson.

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