(Yicai Global) July 23 -- The first City Store in China operated by the Swedish furniture giant Ikea officially opened in Shanghai yesterday. Unlike traditional large shopping malls located in the suburbs, the City Store in the city’s center has an area of only 3,000 square meters and is thus ideal for urban residents to browse and offers them a more convenient shopping option.

The ribbon is cut yesterday to mark the opening of the new Ikea City Store in Shanghai's downtown Jing'an district.

Ikea staff line up in a human aisle to welcome the first patrons to arrive at the new outlet.

An infrared thermometer at the door of the new venue checks shoppers’ temperatures, per Covid-19 prevention rules.

A customer in the shopping mall gazes across the street at the Jing'an Temple, one of downtown Shanghai’s signature landmarks.

Diners savor a taste of Scandinavia in the City Store’s restaurant.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Ben Armour

Photo Editor: Ren Yuming