IKEA plans to open in Merriam, Kan.

With an anticipated opening in fall 2014, the 349,000-sq.-ft. proposed IKEA store would be built along the eastern side of Interstate-35 at the Johnson Drive exit on 18 acres to be purchased from DDR Corp.

Merriam, Kan., is about eight miles southwest of Kansas City, Mo.

“We look forward to growing our Midwestern U.S. presence with IKEA Merriam,” said IKEA U.S. president Mike Ward. “This store would bring the already 60,000 Kansas City-area customers a store of their own and would introduce other consumers in Kansas, Missouri and beyond to the unique IKEA product selection and family-friendly shopping experience.” 

There are currently 38 IKEA stores in the United States and more than 330 around the world.