Ikea's New US Store Will Be Bigger Than 8 Football Fields

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Ikea has received approval to start construction on its largest store in America: a 470,000-square-foot behemoth in Burbank, California. The city's current Ikea outpost will relocate to a 23-acre lot a mile away that's been designated for the expansion. According to the Burbank Leader, the relocation will force 22 existing buildings out of the designated area, and several business owners have already approached both the city council and Ikea for relocation assistance. The Leader states that city officials have agreed to help the businesses move elsewhere in Burbank.

Ikea's mega store requires 85 extra employees for a total of 450 staffers. The new location features an underground parking area, a supervised children's play area, a ground level for retail and warehouse space, an upper level for showrooms, offices and restaurant space, plus space set aside for 1,726 parking spots and 86 bicycle parking areas. The retailer plans to open the giant store in August 2016.