We have mixed IKEA with mid century thrift store furniture and art deco period (both real and quality re creation) and darned if it doesn't go great.

 

Midcentury and Ikea would probably go good together as they both are coming from a similar modernist aesthetic....Scandinavian design had a big influence on midcentury modern in the US too.

 

 

And I quote MayDay, "It is like Old Navy, great to accessorize but you wouldn't want your whole wardrobe in it".

exactly, but no ones wardrobe or even outfit  (you can tell I am a girl saying this)should come from the same place-mix it up people!

We have mixed IKEA with mid century thrift store furniture and art deco period (both real and quality re creation) and darned if it doesn't go great.

 

Midcentury and Ikea would probably go good together as they both are coming from a similar modernist aesthetic....Scandinavian design had a big influence on midcentury modern in the US too.

 

 

maybe that is why I have a soft spot of the stuff.

Logically, Columbus would be the top choice.  Only an hour and a half from Cincinnati; hour from Dayton; West Virginia's larger cities; Indianapolis; and perhaps some Clevelanders (though they already go to Pittsburgh); and I'm sure Toledo/Northwest Ohioans now go to Canton Township, Detroit.

 

So Columbus...yeah...duh.

 

duh no, logically columbus is just about as as close to pitts as cleveland for the ikea. columbus people go to the robinson ikea all the time.

 

smaller metro aside, the most sensible choice for an ohioikea today is northern cinci burbia.

 

otoh, the 'best' ohio choice would be squeezing one in to steelyard or legacy in clev or millworks in cinci, but ikea does not seem to be too into urban setting ikeas in the states.

 

If corporations did as much geographical analysis on marking areas as we do on UrbanOhio, a lot of companies would be far better off..

Midcentury and Ikea would probably go good together as they both are coming from a similar modernist aesthetic....Scandinavian design had a big influence on midcentury modern in the US too.

 

Spot on.

 

KF

I'll add that Ikea goes well with mid-century because streamline moderne had been pretty well mass marketed by then, an aesthetic cue that a lot of Ikea picks up on, especially with their accessories (rugs, lamps, etc). Mass market design is always 20 or more years late.

 

I look at the Brady Bunch now and salivate over the decor. Modern, Bauhaus, a little but of Prarie thrown in for good measure. It was clear Carol let Mike do the decorating. I can smell the exposed brick, heavy woodgrain and orange fomica from here.

 

Oh, my nose.

 

Oh, my nose.

 

KF

 

^ *punch*

 

For making me picture "orange formica".  I am not a fan of "Neo 70" decor.

Neo 70s? What was wrong with the oldo 70s?

 

One thing about the 70s, it was the last decade with a style of its own, and even much of that was unwitting Modern revival. 

 

The 80s were nostalgia soup. The 90s were hotel lobby.

 

The 00s? I guess they're Ikea.

 

Phew! Back to topic.

 

KF

I think the site of the old K-mart/Auto Nation across the road from the Mills Mall in Cincy would be great spot.

 

I too like this idea....I normally am not for suburban growth, but this is a surburban store/development.  Cincinnati Mills is trying to market itself as a destination mall of sorts.  Hence the reasoning behind Bass Pro Shops, various outlets, and entertainment.  If you were in to these types of stores a whole day could easily be made out of it.  Ikea would have plenty of room in this location with great visibility from I-275 and be near a airport incase you wanted to fly in to get a taste of the GREAT Ikea action! (never been there....have no idea)

Ikeas are ugly and sell corny, cheap furniture. Why having one has become some huge deal is beyond me. People are acting crazier than Namibia when they heard they might be hosting a Brangelina baby. I just don't see what the big fuss is.

I think one area where they excel is the kitchen systems.  If you look at what is available for kitchen cabinets at your standard Home Depot, Menard's or Lowes, the economical off the shelf stuff is just really bad.  Ikea's kitchen cabinets are stylish and economical and look more like high end custom cabinets without the high price tag.  The options for customizing them (hardware, glass, aluminum, styles) is really what sets them apart.  This is perfect for someone like me that wants a stylish kitchen, but doesn't want to spend too much because I will probably rent out my condo once it is remodeled.  I don't want to put high end european cabinets in my little rental property...but I also don't want those awful standard 'country' wood cabinets or so-called 'euro' white cabinets generally available at home stores.

 

Also, you can dowload a program, put in your dimensions, and furnish the entire kitchen.  It gives you the price and a list to take into the store. 

After hearing that 40% of the Pittsburgh store's business comes from Cleveland I have come to the conclusion that they will either build a store in Greater Cleveland to serve that market or build one as far away from Cleveland as  possible (i.e. Cincinnati).

Ohio Ikea store still just a hope

Cincinnati Business Courier - 12:00 PM EDT Wednesday

by Lisa Biank Fasig

 

Despite recent news reports, retail darling Ikea appears to be no closer to opening a store in Ohio today than it was a year ago. The wallet-friendly furniture chain, known for its fashionable and functional styles, has been making headlines throughout Ohio again, following the opening of a store in Canton, Mich., two weeks ago. But, spokesman Joseph Roth said, the retailer has not made any commitments to the state.

 

Ikea does, however, maintain a service that filters requests from developers, a position it found necessary about a year ago. The chain gets so many calls from developers in Cincinnati, and from so many other cities, that it now requires such a service.

 

But as of now, Ikea has no specific plans in the Buckeye State, Roth said. "It's not like we've been avoiding Ohio," he said. "We just haven't gotten there yet."

 

MORE: http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/06/19/daily31.html?jst=b_ln_hl

"It's not like we've been avoiding Ohio," he said. "We just haven't gotten there yet."

 

 

Oh is that right? Then why open stores in smaller states and markets?

^and too why are you surrounding our state with locations that serve our population while not actually being located here (Pittsburgh).

Logically, Columbus would be the top choice.  Only an hour and a half from Cincinnati; hour from Dayton; West Virginia's larger cities; Indianapolis; and perhaps some Clevelanders (though they already go to Pittsburgh); and I'm sure Toledo/Northwest Ohioans now go to Canton Township, Detroit.

 

So Columbus...yeah...duh.

 

duh no, logically columbus is just about as as close to pitts as cleveland for the ikea. columbus people go to the robinson ikea all the time.

 

smaller metro aside, the most sensible choice for an ohioikea today is northern cinci burbia.

 

otoh, the 'best' ohio choice would be squeezing one in to steelyard or legacy in clev or millworks in cinci, but ikea does not seem to be too into urban setting ikeas in the states.

 

 

Columbus people do NOT go to Ikea in Pittsburgh all the time, as most Columbusites are oblivious to Ikea in the first place.  As mentioned earlier, most of Ikea Pittsburgh's out-of-state sales are from the Cleveland area.  By LOGICALLY putting it in Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Indianapolis, and Dub V people will have a second option.  Columbus central location in Ohio would be a huge state draw.

Just out of curiosity, do Columbus papers ever run the full-page IKEA ads that advertise shipping specials, or the seasonal sales like they run in the Cleveland Plain Dealer?

Not that I've seen. I subscribe to the Dispatch, but haven't seen such ads. But then again, I don't read the Home and Garden section or other such sections that would likely have an IKEA ad of any sort. Doubt the Alive or The Other Paper would carry such ads, since they cater to the local flare more than anything.

Yes...Densely populated areas, that is why they chose the urban mecca of Salt Lake City for their next store.

I don't think they know what the hell they're doing, I mean the midwest is pretty dense and Pittsburg and Chicago are the only options? There isn't even one in Florida. I have a hard time believing Pittsburgh is a better market than Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area.

Not Kenwood? From the 6/22/06 Journal-News:

 

 

West Chester TOWNSHIP site may be in plans for IKEA

Furniture giant may build first Ohio store in West Chester Twp.

By Cameron Fullam

 

WEST CHESTER TWP. — IKEA, the international furniture company, is considering West Chester Twp. as the location for its Ohio debut, according to sources in the township. Joseph Roth, a spokesperson for the Swedish-based company, would not confirm the decision, saying IKEA is considering multiple locations in Ohio but has not yet committed to any.

 

“We certainly appreciate the customer base that exists for us in Ohio and we’re always in discussion about it,” Roth said. “Ohio is a bit difficult for us because you have Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland — three major metro areas that are in close proximity to each other.”

 

MORE: http://www.journal-news.com/hp/content/news/stories/2006/06/21/HJN062206IKEA_s.html

I'm thinking Union Center huh?

IKEA rocks! Having an IKEA in your city is a major coup because the company is very picky about where they will locate. I think Cincy is the best of the Ohio markets because both Columbus and Cleveland are too close to the Pittsburgh location. With the Cincy store Ikea would have Louisville, Lexington, Dayton, Columbus and Indianapolis within a two hours drive, It seems like a logistical no brainer to me. Yes Cleveland and Columbus have more existing customers but I think that would attest to their relative proximity once again to Pittsburgh.

There is a huge parcell of land that has just been cleared by the Union Centre exit of West Chester that hugs I-75.  Does anyone know what the plans are for this property?

 

inkaelin, no the reality is the metro might get an Ikea but it will more than likely be in an exurb.  Kenwood (Sycamore Township) is built out and doesn't have property to accommodate Ikea's big footprint.

Ikea may be coming here

We're one of 3 Ohio cities furniture firm considering

BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

 

Trendy Swedish furniture retailer Ikea, which draws shoppers from hundreds of miles away, is looking at Cincinnati for a store site, a spokesman said Wednesday. But it's also looking at Columbus, Cleveland and "most other major U.S. markets," Ikea spokesman Joseph Roth said.

 

"We're always evaluating opportunities for new markets as well as additional locations in existing markets,'' Roth said. The privately held chain opened its 28th store two weeks ago in Canton, Mich., near Detroit. Ikea has more than 230 stores in 34 countries.

 

MORE: http://www.enquirer.com

I see Jen Segrest is getting her 15 minutes of fame.  Keep up the good work in trying to lure Ikea to Ohio, prefereably to Cincinnati. :)

I think two stores are probably necessary for Ohio, and if I were them I'd go with both Dayton and Cleveland.

i see them going for NKY and southwest burbs of Cleveland

Southwest? what is that?

NKY!? I would shit a brick. COMING SOON: IKEA of CRESTVIEW HILLS!!!!

i know i know, such controversy

All of this talk makes me realize how inept the management at IKEA is.  If you're store is so great, then build four of them!  One in Cincy, Columbus, Cleveland, and Indy.  If metros of 2,000,000+ people can't sustain one of your stores, then I don't think that I want to shop there. 

 

I don't buy all of the "destination store" talk either.  The american consumer has proven that if you make things convenient for them, they will reward you with huge sales (see: Walton, Sam). 

 

If they're going to build 5 stores per year, why not start in Ohio/Indiana and start building out?  It would certainly be a good idea from a supply chain perspective.

I would think, based on reading this thread that Northern Columbus, Polaris, would make the most sense. 

If Cleveland is willing to drive 2 hours now, they should be able to keep driving the couple of hours.

If Columbus, and Southern and western Ohio do not shop at Pittsburg, the new store would open up the market.

What would make the most sense is putting one in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati because the market can easily sustain it. What do they have to compete with? Norka, Sofa Express, and Target? Please...

I agree completely David.

 

The only other "destination store" that I can think of is Cabela's, and they cater to the rural crowd.  IKEA caters to the urban and suburban crowds that are grouped togeter much more densely.  It's the complete opposite market.  You'd think that most major metro's can easily sustain a store of it's supposed greatness. 

 

And really...how much can a big box store really cost to construct? 

 

I don't know what thier financial situation is, but if I were running the company, I'd have to seriously think about issuing stock to raise capital for rapid growth.  With all the buzz around, you'd think it would be the perfect time.

with all the development occuring in downtown cleveland, I do not know how you cannot have an IKEA in the area. your grandmothers's Kronhiems just doesnt cut it.

I agree completely David.

 

The only other "destination store" that I can think of is Cabela's, and they cater to the rural crowd.  IKEA caters to the urban and suburban crowds that are grouped togeter much more densely.  It's the complete opposite market.  You'd think that most major metro's can easily sustain a store of it's supposed greatness. 

 

And really...how much can a big box store really cost to construct? 

 

I don't know what thier financial situation is, but if I were running the company, I'd have to seriously think about issuing stock to raise capital for rapid growth.  With all the buzz around, you'd think it would be the perfect time.

They're too busy furnishing bus stops in Manhattan! Lol. No but seriously that was a genius marketing concept.

with all the development occuring in downtown cleveland, I do not know how you cannot have an IKEA in the area. your grandmothers's Kronhiems just doesnt cut it.

 

I completely agree, which is why I really think Ikea would best be suited in the city. Legacy Village or other suburbs might have the space, and an existing draw, but I don't see most of their patrons coming from the immediate market there. I see more college grads living/moving into the city who need and really want a store like that to outfit their apartments. I don't see my great aunt Lois from Pepper Pike shopping in Ikea if it was at Legacy Village.

^whaaat?? no way, i could definately see suburbanites in cleveland shopping there.  downtown too, but wheres the space for something like that?? 

I have no problem with Ikea merchandise, and I'd love the opportunity to shop there. I'm young, on a budget, and very mobile. But c'mon. Do you really think the average Beachwood shopper has any interest in Ikea merchandise? I think they'd bypass that place up for their Arhaus, Crate and Barrel, and Restoration Hardware stores. Ikea is just one of the many retailers that I can't figure out why they wouldn't want to better serve the growing downtown market, as well as the entire metro area through a central location. Take Trader Joe's for instance. Frankly the people who live near Trader Joe's in the suburbs have been unimpressed. They already have Heinen's which carries very similar foods, has an even greater selection, and better service. It is also a similar situation with H&M - which is openning a store in Beachwood now. These retailers have no common sense. 

This conversation also brings in Columbus' ace in the hole...THE Ohio State University.  60,000+ students with a huge turnover rate.  They've got to buy those desks, dressers, futons, beds, and accessories from somewhere. 

^But doesn't OSU have something like 10,000 dorm rooms? That would drop that 60,000 down significantly.

yea come to think of it, i could see it in Columbus too.  i just dont know where in downtown cleveland this could go, hah move the port authority?  does Stark already have them for his Pesht project?  heh

I don't disagree that the retailers in question might serve the region better with a centrally located store. However...

 

"But c'mon. Do you really think the average Beachwood shopper has any interest in Ikea merchandise?"

 

Absolutely. They may not do the "floor to ceiling" thing (hopefully they don't) but they don't scoff at  inexpensive options to overpriced stores. This is especially true at IKEA when it comes to accessories, kitchen tools, and gardening/outdoor. No - they may never pick up a $500 couch but they sure as hell love to stock up on things that get heavy use and need easy/cheap replacements. They get things like that at IKEA so they can spend the rest of their money on $3000 sectionals and 600-thread count sheets - things that have a little more durability. Believe me - I know quite a few people who could sneeze my annual income and they think IKEA is great.

 

"Take Trader Joe's for instance. Frankly the people who live near Trader Joe's in the suburbs have been unimpressed. They already have Heinen's which carries very similar foods, has an even greater selection, and better service."

 

I don't know the suburbanites you know, but let me tell you that I know plenty  who love Trader Joes for the prepared and frozen foods. They can stock up to the gills on the frozen stuff for their kids, or pick up a ready-to-eat meal (for the single types). Trader Joes has a substantially lower price point than Heinens on a lot of items. Better service? If you say so - I love Heinens but I've found the service at Trader Joes to be just as friendly and helpful. The only people I've met who aren't impressed by Trader Joes are people who really have a passion for cooking - they'd just as soon make something themselves than pay for it, and that's not Trader Joes target market anyway.

 

"It is also a similar situation with H&M - which is openning a store in Beachwood now. These retailers have no common sense."

 

Again, you're thinking that the people who shop at Saks and Nordstrom wouldn't set foot in a place like H&M. If that was the case, you wouldn't see a Marc's store anywhere along the I-271 corridor. Speaking of - when I lived in Westlake, the parking lot at Marc's was a mix of average, middle-class vehicles and high-end (BMW, Benz, Jag, etc.). Another perfect example: http://www.loehmanns.com

 

I think the discount retailers have a little more common sense than you might think :-)

^But doesn't OSU have something like 10,000 dorm rooms? That would drop that 60,000 down significantly.

Yeah, but those 10-20k dorm students need futons, rugs, lamps, end tables, towels, candles, cocktail shakers, shower caddies and whatever other accessories IKEA has.

 

When they move out of the dorms they would be looking for desks, beds, sofas, and some of the larger ticket items.

 

It's a big market.  I routinely see parents drop hundreds of dollars at the Lennox Target without batting an eye when they drop thier kids off at school.

Doesn't UC have around 35,000 students?  Although I think the majority of them are commuter students.  What is the dorm count for UC.  If you take UC, Xavier, Miami, Wright State, UD - the West Chester area seems to be more attractive to Ikea.  While I wish Ikea would open in the city limits of Cincinnati, I realize that if it does open it would be in the northern burbs to capitalize on the 3.1 million people between Cincinnati & Dayton and several major universities.

If they were going for the university market, they'd probably open in Cincinnati near UC and Xavier. These sound like more of a regional draw than just a place for college kids, so I don't think the OSU point is all that powerful, Columbus speaks for itself however, I don't know why you can't have three in the state.

Most campuses have Norka (cheap futons common with college students) and urban outfitters.

I'm not sure how close together Ikea wants their stores, but I'd say either one in the Columbus area, or if they would go with two in Ohio, Cincinnati and Cleveland areas would be the best  bet.  Below are a couple of really quick maps I made showing a 100 mile radius and a 150 mile radius from their existing stores and possibles stores in the West Chester area, northeast Columbus area, and Cleveland area.

 

100 miles

 

150 miles