Does Sheffield need and IKEA?

Do the people of Sheffield want an IKEA store?

Where would be a good location in Sheffield for IKEA?

Well I have my own views on these questions. I feel that Sheffield would benefit from having an IKEA store. If you live in Sheffield and want to make a purchase from IKEA you are faced with a trip to either Leeds or Nottingham. Bringing IKEA to Sheffield would also encourage other businesses to invest in the area and bring extra commerce to the city. However careful consideration needs to be given to the location of development of this scale. There would need to be a good local transport infrastructure, preferably close to the motorway. Maybe an IKEA store could be incorporated into the redevelopment of the Sheffield Airport? Its close to the motorway, has a reasonable local transport infrastructure and plenty of room for expansion and new business growth.

If anyone else has any views or opinions on whether IKEA should come to Sheffield please post a reply.

I know there have been many rumours flying about that IKEA might be coming to Sheffield, but know one really knows what’s happening! So if anyone does have any information or news maybe you’d like to share it with us all!

Cheers Scott

Does Sheffield need and IKEA?

Maybe an IKEA store could be incorporated into the redevelopment of the Sheffield Airport?

This city needs more business, industry and infrastructure improvements. Getting rid of the airport and replacing it with yet more retain outlets selling foreign goods would be a backward step. Getting rid of a transport link that helps put Sheffield on the map and putting a shop selling cheap and nasty pine furniture in its place is a rather poor idea.

Well everyone has their own views Ken, but I think the airport has done little to put Sheffield on the map. I believe that it has actually cost Sheffield vast amounts of money and has failed to bring business to the city. So maybe its a good thing that the airport site is being redevloped, hopefully the new development will encourage more businesses to invest in Sheffield!

There's a few views on Ikea generally in sheffield and roundabouts in these threads....

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=83124&highlight=Ikea
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=14372&highlight=Ikea

Personally I think we need one nearer, but planning permission is always a problem!
I had heard rumours about one being built in doncaster, sensible really as it already has the distribution centre!

I believe that it has actually cost Sheffield vast amounts of money and has failed to bring business to the city. So maybe its a good thing that the airport site is being redevloped, hopefully the new development will encourage more businesses to invest in Sheffield!

It hasn't cost Sheffield anything so far. It brings in business because many people are employed there and/or have offices there. Many businessmen use it to visit people in the area using their private aircraft. Several such people have said that they would not be based in the area if the airport was to close. Ikea have a policy of employing as few staff as possible, with almost all on the tills with low paid jobs.

This city needs more business, industry and infrastructure improvements. Getting rid of the airport and replacing it with yet more retain outlets selling foreign goods would be a backward step. Getting rid of a transport link that helps put Sheffield on the map and putting a shop selling cheap and nasty pine furniture in its place is a rather poor idea.

I beg to disagree KenH, but Sheffield needs all the business and the accompanying jobs that it can get. Despite your opinion of Ikea products, they run a VERY successful operation, one which Sheffield would do well to become a part of. Ikea also employs a lot of people, and jobs are something Sheffield cant afford to turn away.
As for the airport I think the least said about that the better.

There are loads of derelict sites in the city. Why couldn't these be utilised and the airport left alone?

Sure, there aren't many aircraft that can use it (particularly low cost airlines), but these companies will be replacing their stock one day, possibly with planes that can.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Support your local second hand furniture shop. Buy old restored furniture. Don't support IKEA in their bid to rid the world of both trees and individuality :(

I did hear rumours that ikea had bought the old BHS building down near the markets and was having it as a smaller version of the leeds and nottingham stores. I don`t know if there`s any truth about it.

Ikea also employs a lot of people, and jobs are something Sheffield cant afford to turn away..

No they don't. Their business model is based on having a warehouse style showroom where the customers do most of the work themselves and take things to the checkout. They have very few staff, if any on the shop floor. What an IKEA would bring to Sheffield is a few retail jobs which are mostly poorly paid and very often part time. No doubt the vast numbers of "executive apartments" (flats) being built all need to be fitted out as identical IKEA showroom clones, but the people who live in them could always try to be a bit more imaginative.

Didn't we do this last month?

I did hear rumours that ikea had bought the old BHS building down near the markets and was having it as a smaller version of the leeds and nottingham stores. I don`t know if there`s any truth about it.

I hope that's true it sure sounds like a good idea :)

I would use it. Hope they get one.

I heard a rumour that they wre going to build one where roxy's is not sure it its got any truth to it, but prehaps near meadowhall retail park or centertaiment might be better as they are coser to the motorway, what about in the old wow/ brannigans building.

the IKEA in leeds employs about 500-600 people. Not too bad for one store. The airport is getting re-developed anyway. better an IKEA than more empty office buildings

Well this is turning into a great dibate!

My feelings are that Sheffield would definatly benefit from having an IKEA store. There is no way of denying that their products are in demand and that they are a large employeer. Any development that can bring new business to the city is surely a good thing, isn't it? Regardless of the location, I only suggested the airport site as this is currently under going a redevelopment anyway and is in an realistic position close to the motorway.

If anyone else has any other comments or ideas that they'd like to voice please do so, I'm interested to hear more of you're opinions!

Scott

I work near to the airport, and unless they re-developed the feeder roads, there's no way it would cope with having an Ikea there! It's bad enough when they do any minor roadworks.

Tas1 - I was thinking about this yesterday, the feeder roads as they are moment wouldn't be able to handle all of the extra traffic flow. However, there is plenty of room to improve the feeder roads to improve this problem and potential problem. It would require investment, but thats what a large company like IKEA would bring with associated follower companies.

I think an Ikea would be great :D another store for me to spend all my money in

No they don't. Their business model is based on having a warehouse style showroom where the customers do most of the work themselves and take things to the checkout. They have very few staff, if any on the shop floor. What an IKEA would bring to Sheffield is a few retail jobs which are mostly poorly paid and very often part time. No doubt the vast numbers of "executive apartments" (flats) being built all need to be fitted out as identical IKEA showroom clones, but the people who live in them could always try to be a bit more imaginative.

Get real KenH, 500-600 jobs aint bad by anybody's standards, plus all the jobs created by the distribution centers who service IKEA. Wages only go up when the employer has difficulty recruiting people and the only way to get to that stage in Sheffield is to attract more jobs. Sheffield suffers from the "minimum wage syndrome" simply because too many people are chasing too few jobs. This situation affects wages and salaries at all levels in Sheffield.

I'm dreading when they build/rent out the low rise developments at the end of the runway - that's going to really snarl up the feed to the parkway. Oh, and I can't see them re-building the bridge link that goes under it to take two lanes somehow.

From a selfish point of view, I wish they'd deveop at least one small part of the airport into a good pub, that does good lunches and a decent pint, so we don't have to trek out every Friday. Ooo and if Woody's sandwich shop could also open a second shop there then that'd make my day!

Well I'm sure that if any major redevelopment, such as IKEA was to be planned for the airport area then the transport infrastructure would also need to be improved. As I' said in previous post.

I agree with Nimrod's comments completely, IKEA would bring a vast ammount of jobs to Sheffield on its own, not to mention the subsiquent follwer companies that form clusters around large retail outlets, such as IKEA.

Surely its common sense that any investment from a large company, again such as IKEA, would encourage other companies to invest in Sheffield. I feel that if one large company made a bold move to redevelop an area of sheffield then others would follow. Thats not necessarily the airport site, could be some disused waste ground/factory buildings around Meadowhall. Surely creating more jobs is never a bad thing?

YEAH IKEA IS RIGHT GOOD lol. seriously i think we should get an Ikea in sheffield i love it :)

Get real KenH, 500-600 jobs aint bad by anybody's standards, .

I would love to know where this figure comes from. I have done some work for Ikea at Nottingham (well the one near there that they call Nottingham) and even behind the scenes there is only a fraction of that number of people. They do employ many people on a part time basis so the figures can seem higher but they still have minimum staff and these are low paid retail jobs. I suspect that developers like to talk up all the numbers.

Do we detect some bitterness there Ken?

Surely any jobs are better than no jobs at all and people claiming benefits?

lilemma22 - I'm not sure if IKEA will be coming to sheffield, but like you I hope it does, I think it will be a great boost to the local economy, bring new jobs to sheffield and bring new business along with it. It will also mean we (IKEA shoppers) dont have to drive to either Leeds or Nottingham!

No they don't. Their business model is based on having a warehouse style showroom where the customers do most of the work themselves and take things to the checkout. They have very few staff, if any on the shop floor. What an IKEA would bring to Sheffield is a few retail jobs which are mostly poorly paid and very often part time. No doubt the vast numbers of "executive apartments" (flats) being built all need to be fitted out as identical IKEA showroom clones, but the people who live in them could always try to be a bit more imaginative.

Are you making this up as you go along KenH? IKEA are a massive employer, unlike Sheffield Airport. I am not conversant with IKEA's pay structure, obviously you are so please let us all know what it is.

What do you prefer people claiming benefit or people in work? Pay levels are none of your business, if someone wishes for the opportunity of getting a job at IKEA what has it got to do with you? There is a vast service industry out there that is not noted for it's high levels of pay, have you any comment?

A lot of the people living in your so called 'executive apartments' are just ordinary young folk who made a decision to get rid of the car and the rent and to buy a small inner city apartment that is near to their place of work. Some of these 'executive apartments' are so difficult get furniture into that IKEA's innovative products are the answer, and they don't cost an arm and a leg either. And how dare you insult these people by suggesting that they 'try to be a bit more imaginative' do you actually mean that they should think like you?

I suppose it will mean less driving to take back the faulty ****e they sell you or incorrect parts.

I won't buy IKEA cr4p anymore, it just doesn't last, pretty as it is.

The future of Sheffield doesn't depend on whether we get an IKEA or not - plently of other cities seem to be managing quite well without them.

The future doesn't depend on IKEA alone, however some new investment, along with the creation of more jobs will be needed in sheffield in the coming years. The current level of job losses, and those in the future cannot be sustained without more investment, it doesn't have to be IKEA, but it is a starting point. Unless Sheffield receives more investment and jobs every corner of the city will become more flats, and there will be no industry or commercial activity here anymore!

Unless Sheffield receives more investment and jobs every corner of the city will become more flats, and there will be no industry or commercial activity here anymore!

It can't become all flats, the people who live in the flats have to have a job to go to. I wouldn't think many people working at IKEA could afford to buy a city centre apartment anyway.

Thats what I'm getting at, the people who work in the city will be priced out and have to live in one of the out lying areas and commute to work. Sheffield will become a trendy place to live and go out, with all the new contempery apartments, bars and restaurants. The people who live in sheffield will be commuting to work in other big cities, such as Leeds. That is unless sheffield catches the attention of some large employeers.

I think most of the people who work in Sheffield can't afford to live in the city centre already, I know I'm not going to spend £200K on a "luxury" one bedroom flat. As the city becomes more prosperous almost everywhere will become expensive, thats the just the way it works, and some people won't be able to afford to live here.

I think that as a city Sheffield needs more jobs.

Surely its common sense that the city needs to diversify, to change its direction, maybe not just an IKEA store, but a master plan to healp regenerate the whole city, to bring new jobs and a more prosperious future. I'm not saying that everyone will want, or be able to afford a city centre penthouse apartment, but there are more affordable places to live, even within these large apartment blocks.

What is bugging so many of you about an IKEA opening in Sheffield, or not as is the case? If you want to have a moan about crap shops a lot of the ones on The Moor come to mind, not to mention TJ Hughes.

Is it some strange kind of inverted snobbery, in that if something that you won't probably use wants to come to the city you want it banned from doing so? What gets me is that folk who are totally against IKEA's retail philophosy appear to have visited one, strange don't you think as they are hardly easy to get to?

What is bugging so many of you about an IKEA opening in Sheffield, or not as is the case? If you want to have a moan about crap shops a lot of the ones on The Moor come to mind, not to mention TJ Hughes.

Is it some strange kind of inverted snobbery, in that if something that you won't probably use wants to come to the city you want it banned from doing so? What gets me is that folk who are totally against IKEA's retail philophosy appear to have visited one, strange don't you think as they are hardly easy to get to?

I think it's people trying to make sure we all know they have better taste than to shop at IKEA. Even though the stuff is mostly ace - well made, cheap, and good design. I don't understand the raving against the shop. If you don't like it, don't go. Yeah, it's kinda cheesy and cliched trolling round IKEA on a bank holiday, but I dont give a damn.

It would bring in a few more jobs, make sure those of us who love it don't go spending our cash in Leeds & Nottingham and maybe stimulate further jobs as the expanding range of shops by the Leeds branch proves. It would bring more shopping options and choice of design. Makes me laugh when people say it's 'cheap pine crap' as that's all that antiques are underneath the veneer, and my IKEA stuff is top notch in terms of quality and has lasted years.

That's why I continue to shop there, and also spend a fair amount on petrol at garages in Leeds or Nottingham, on food, drink, maybe in the other surrounding stores too. I also pay local delivery companies to those cities to deliver my large purchases. That's a hell of a lot of money not being spent in Sheffield and that won't ever be spent in Sheffield until we get a branch.

Plus it is a 'destination' store, which people will happily travel a long way to visit, and all branches are constantly packed out. We don't have a stand alone 'destination' store in Sheffield.

And the meatballs in the restaurant are lovely.....:thumbsup:

I think Costco are opening in the same site as Ikea was meant to so a similar number of jobs will be created, probably with higher wages as Costco give the same rates throughout the country, and with nowhere near the same traffic problem. Maybe the Council were right to hold out.

I don't like IKEA because I think there's already enough furniture in the world and it just encourages people to think of wood and plastic as disposable. If we could all use second hand/refurbished furniture, or just re-upholster or restore our old furniture, it would be better for the environment and support local shops and tradespeople.

Obviously I know IKEA doesn't have a monopoly on this! However I think they really contribute.

I don't like IKEA because I think there's already enough furniture in the world and it just encourages people to think of wood and plastic as disposable. If we could all use second hand/refurbished furniture, or just re-upholster or restore our old furniture, it would be better for the environment and support local shops and tradespeople.

Obviously I know IKEA doesn't have a monopoly on this! However I think they really contribute.

Fair enough, but you can't always have second hand beds or settees - the latter because they have to be compliant with fire regulations. And I wouldn't have someone else's bed, though I also wouldn't get one from IKEA as their sizes are incompatible with normal bedding. Soft furnishings in general are often better new as they are washable and more durable, whereas if you had some genuine 1920's curtains you'd be more inclined to use them as art rather than actual curtains!

I actually restored a set of dining chairs using IKEA fabric. It took all of five minutes to do the seats with some cloth and a staple gun. Their good quality fabrics are IMHO the best thing about the company.

To show how their stuff is durable, I had a stereo unit from their Warrington store in about 1988 and it's still as good as new; now my parents are enjoying it. And the old glassware I have from their shop is also as good as new in contrast to a lot of glassware from other stores. If the stuff is durable in the first place, which most of it is, then there is less need to recycle anyway.

Mathom - I agree they products from Ikea are well built, easy to assemble and will last for a very long time. Ikea, I believe do take environmental issues very seriously, the wood products they use in their goods is form a sustainably managed source. So for every tree they cut down to make a new table or chair more than one new tree is planted. This in my opinion is of equal good to the environment as recycling. It also helps to keep a lot of people in jobs, from the farmers who grow the trees, to those who work in the manufacturing, to the people who work in the stores selling the products!

So should Ikea come to Sheffield? In my opinion, yes they should. It would be a very positive step forward for the city. As Mathom said look at the amount of money that people from sheffield are spending in Leeds & Nottingham, not just shopping at Ikea, but having food out, buying petrol, shopping at the surrounding stores and the transportation of the large goods. I think that Leeds is a prime example of a good redevelopment, not just the Ikea store, but the whole retail park that has been created there, with more than just the normal retail park stores.

I like how people just bandy about random guesses like actual figures
(Ken H) does Ken H know how many people a place employs by walking in and having a look around?. I've worked in the IKEA Leeds store for over a year now so i think i should know a little more about it thank him. Also Ken just cause people buy furniture from IKEA doesn't make them tasteless I don't know what your house is like but not everyone can afford to spend hundreds and thousands of pounds on furniture and not averyone has the time or inclination to find and restore secondhand furniture and find it's just easier to go to IKEA or wherever and buy what they need for not very much money. and yes IKEA are very into recycling ect and use stuff other companies don't use and all wood comes from sustainable sources I'm sure there's stuff about it on the website

I don't like IKEA because I think there's already enough furniture in the world and it just encourages people to think of wood and plastic as disposable. If we could all use second hand/refurbished furniture, or just re-upholster or restore our old furniture, it would be better for the environment and support local shops and tradespeople.

Obviously I know IKEA doesn't have a monopoly on this! However I think they really contribute.

The world that you think that you are living in simply doesn't exist. However I can't blame you for trying, you obviously have the courage of you own convictions and I applaud your motives.

I think most of the people who work in Sheffield can't afford to live in the city centre already, I know I'm not going to spend £200K on a "luxury" one bedroom flat. As the city becomes more prosperous almost everywhere will become expensive, thats the just the way it works, and some people won't be able to afford to live here.

It has always been the case that popularity increases prices as does a shortage of property. A national building project of say one million new builds would calm down prices somewhat.

There are a lot of one bed city centre apartments at circa £120K and are selling to young people who have been priced out of the S7, S10 and S11 areas. They don't need doing up, have good sound insulation, heating etc so fit the bill for the short term.

As developers and landlords snap up anything around the Ecclesall Road/Broomhill and Nether Edge areas this has pushed young first time buyers into the city centre. When they have had enough of city centre living and long for a garden, car parking etc they will not be contenders for S7,S10 and S11 areas as these areas will be full of let property.

This is where area popularity is cyclical and places that used to be popular in the past and have gone off the boil in recent years will re invent themselves by virtue of young folk moving into them. My guess would be Crookes, Walkley, Meersbrook and Norton Lees and Hillsborough, but don't rule out Heeley and areas around Abbeydale Road.

It has always been the case that popularity increases prices as does a shortage of property. A national building project of say one million new builds would calm down prices somewhat.

There are a lot of one bed city centre apartments at circa £120K and are selling to young people who have been priced out of the S7, S10 and S11 areas. They don't need doing up, have good sound insulation, heating etc so fit the bill for the short term.

As developers and landlords snap up anything around the Ecclesall Road/Broomhill and Nether Edge areas this has pushed young first time buyers into the city centre. When they have had enough of city centre living and long for a garden, car parking etc they will not be contenders for S7,S10 and S11 areas as these areas will be full of let property.

This is where area popularity is cyclical and places that used to be popular in the past and have gone off the boil in recent years will re invent themselves by virtue of young folk moving into them. My guess would be Crookes, Walkley, Mearsbrook and Norton Lees and Hillsborough, but don't rule out Heeley and areas around Abbeydale Road.

It's already far too late for anyone hoping for a Heeley bargain. An average terrace with no parking and a postage stamp sized garden is going for between £110k - £130k. If you see anything cheaper, buy it fast! On my street houses are selling within days (I bought mine within 6 hours of it going on the market). My neighbours still include the traditional working class families but there are now just as many neighbours who are young solicitors, teachers and managers. For the same price as a tiny flat you can have a whole house, rent out a room to a mate or two, and it's about £3.50 in a taxi to town, if you can't be bothered walking.

Some parts of Nether Edge/Sharrow are now cheaper, as is Norton, where you can get a big semi for little more than a Heeley terrace. Meersbrook can be much more expensive or much cheaper, depending upon which street you are looking at.

i think there will always be people who don't like IKEA, and i respect that opinion but you are in a minority. I think an IKEA (or similar big retailer(not another B&Q)) would only be good for the city

I dont think the city wants, needs or could sustain another B&Q! How many have popped up in various locations around the city in the past few years! People need variation and alternatives. Ikea would offer the people of Sheffield that freedom of choice. Lets face it not everyone can travel all the way to Leeds or Nottingham and are restricted to buying in sheffield, where the choice is fairly limited at the moment.

It's already far too late for anyone hoping for a Heeley bargain. An average terrace with no parking and a postage stamp sized garden is going for between £110k - £130k. If you see anything cheaper, buy it fast! On my street houses are selling within days (I bought mine within 6 hours of it going on the market). My neighbours still include the traditional working class families but there are now just as many neighbours who are young solicitors, teachers and managers. For the same price as a tiny flat you can have a whole house, rent out a room to a mate or two, and it's about £3.50 in a taxi to town, if you can't be bothered walking.

Some parts of Nether Edge/Sharrow are now cheaper, as is Norton, where you can get a big semi for little more than a Heeley terrace. Meersbrook can be much more expensive or much cheaper, depending upon which street you are looking at.

Mathom, I don't think that there is such a thing as a bargain in the Sheffield property market but your point about a nice Heeley terraced or a semi in Norton costing the same as a 'tiny flat' is well put. What used to be first time buyer land is now second time buyer land, that is of course if folk have bought well in the inner city and move on when they see a reasonable profit.

Hi All,

In reply to many post's , especially KenH who is strangley absent right now , IKEA is many things to the communities and people it serves. However what it will never be is popular with everyone. In fact it is probably the "marmite" of retailing. I'd love to know what you did in Nottingham store KenH to get the insight you have. The amount of jobs is certainly not fictional , but you would be correct in your assumption (and it must be an assumption as you have no facts) that a lot of the jobs are part-time. However , in this inflexible world that we share part-time encompasses anything that is not 39 hours! Would you describe the person who does 30 hours on 5 shifts on the checkouts as part-time? Would it make it less part-time if that is what they chose? But worry not KenH and other's who live in Sheffield. Our good friend John Prescott and his band of brothers have pretty much scuppered any plans IKEA had in sunny Sheffield. In fact I think you can count on the 500-600 crappy part-time dead-end jobs turning up in Doncaster or Rotherham. However Im sure the residents of these area's won't be turning away the lyopportunity to work for a company who not only looks after the individual and listens but offers each and everyone one of it's employee's the chance to develop as far and as fast as it want's.
Yes Im a fan......................but hell why not.

All,

Interesting debate. If people want to buy stuff from Ikea then fine. If they don't then that's also fine. Not really an issue. Personally I think it's fine for lots of basic utility stuff.

The low wage thing - well jobs are jobs and the more people that are employed can only be good - demand/supply etc. - so surely that's good. If you look at Leeds Ikea it's also resulted in lots of other retail sheds being located on the same site. So more jobs. Can't help thinking the council has missed a trick here.

Didn't see if anyone's mentioned the Cole Brothers/John Lewis thing - the council don't want to upset them as they're fairly pivotal in getting that bit of the town centre regenerated. But I'm not convinced there's much overlap between John Lewis and Ikea anyway. I'd heard Ikea were going to start doing smaller in town type shops anyway due to Perscotts planning regs so that may be another avenue - but usual problem getting people into the city centre.

In fact I think you can count on the 500-600 crappy part-time dead-end jobs turning up in Doncaster or Rotherham. However Im sure the residents of these area's won't be turning away the lyopportunity to work for a company who not only looks after the individual and listens but offers each and everyone one of it's employee's the chance to develop as far and as fast as it want's.
Yes Im a fan......................but hell why not.

Doncaster already has 500-600 "crappy dead-end jobs" from Ikea with the distribution centre. don't want to be greedy ;)

Those jobs are of course keeping up full employment and meaning the wages rise for everyone. Eventually as markets dictate that will help bring in higher paying employers and we shall have an official title for Capital of South Yorkshire, let's face it we're already the unofficial capital. :-)

However, Doncaster is awash with furniture chains wanting to spank DFS in their home town, though there's quite a lot of goodwill towards them. So Ikea would have to go on bringing people in from outer towns and cities, with the transport links why not?

Though Sheff should really be going on that as well - because Ikea is one of those far-reaching iconic brands that pulls in punters from everywhere which will bring desired custom to other businesses in the area.

I'd love to see an IKEA somewhere in Sheffield :D

Yes - let's go for an IKEA - save us a lot of trips down the motorway

................................

IKEA did once want to come to where Costco is now, John Lewis raised hell about it so the Council said no. Wherever the next IKEA store is built, it won't be within Sheffield City Council's planning area, unless John Lewis go broke in the meantime.

edit: I still can't figure out what JL have against the Swedes; someone after a JL table isn't going to be satisfied with some Swedish chipboard tat, after all

It worries me that lots of independent retailers eeking out a living in the mean streets of Sheff might be forced out of business by cheap tat, and I for one love cheap tat as i'm skint, but i don't think it's too far to go to Leeds if I need it and when I'm more flush I'll support local businesses not massive swedish operations.

IKEA did once want to come to where Costco is now, John Lewis raised hell about it so the Council said no. Wherever the next IKEA store is built, it won't be within Sheffield City Council's planning area, unless John Lewis go broke in the meantime.

edit: I still can't figure out what JL have against the Swedes; someone after a JL table isn't going to be satisfied with some Swedish chipboard tat, after all

The John Lewis Partnership are just big bullies, I know for a fact that they enforce their 'never knowingly undersold' motto by blackmailing suppliers into refusing to supply other retailers who attempt to undercut them.

They wanted the inner city flat and shared student housing market to themselves so told the council that they would throw their toys out of the pram if IKEA were allowed to open in Sheffield. The problem they have is that much of their stock such as furniture has to be ordered and is expensive whilst IKEA has inexpensive ex stock that you can put in the back of a van or estate car and have it in place on the day of purchase.

John Lewis have quite simply sent student landlords and flat owners to either Leeds or Nottingham and in so doing have cost Sheffield rate revenue and jobs. John Lewis would not close if IKEA opened a store in Sheffield nor would they lose any trade as competition has always been good for business.

edit: I still can't figure out what JL have against the Swedes; someone after a JL table isn't going to be satisfied with some Swedish chipboard tat, after all

I never understood that either. They're hardly going for the same market, yet IKEA are supposed to have been refused partly for that reason.

I want an IKEA!! Why should I have to drive miles for my scented candles?!?!? (joke, in case anyone was wondering)

it's something good retail wise for Sheffield so it'll never happen accept it and move on lol

There isn't an Ikea store in Leeds. The store is in Wakefield.

I would be happy to see an IKEA closer to Sheffield but I'm not sure Sheffield has the infrastructure to sustain one -certainly not the roads - the city comes to a standstill if a car breaks down on Nursery St so gawd help us if a local IKEA has a sale... We love IKEA - it's great to be able to see things on display and try them out before you buy. Also, it has made buying a fab kitchen and bedroom affordable for us.

e5c4p3 I think you'll find it's on the edge of leeds and bradford and not wakefield

e5c4p3 I think you'll find it's on the edge of leeds and bradford and not wakefield

Actually, it's listed as the Leeds store, but the shop is adjacent to the Birstall junction of the M62 (A62 junction) and the closest town as the crow flies is Batley.

What I find really annoying is now that I've moved from S6 to S20 I have to pay an extra tenner for delivery from IKEA Leeds (they list it as Leeds, I'll call it Leeds)... it's not like I moved to a different town!

I Think There Shud Be An Ikea In Sheffield Because Doncaster , Chesterfield , Belfast etc. Most Places Have It Soo Sheffield Cud Have It Too :hihi:

Oh I would so be in Heaven if there was a Ikea in Sheffield. On the otherhand my OH would be devestated as his poor bank account would be taking a hammering!
At the moment I have to pay 40 pounds for home delivery both online and instore :o

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If you don't like shopping at ikea - don't shop there!!! Whilst i don't have a house kitted out in ikea goods i do have stuff from there and think its a pretty good thing to have on the doorstep rather than having to trek to leeds or nottingham to get what you want. The stuff from there is affordable, disposable and does the job its meant to do. I bought a cheap as hell wardwrobe to put me on when i rented a room in someone elses house promising myself it would get trashed and replaced with a "proper one" when i got my own place. I've been in my house a nearly 18 months and that same wardwrobe is still on my room and looks just fine. Can't see the point in skinting myself when that one is doing the biz

If you want cheap prefabricated tat, Nottingham and Leeds have enough of it.

Let them be the places one goes for IKEA and Sheffield be the places people come to for Posford?

I cannot suggest anyone buy goods from Ponsford having had a very bad/prolonged experience with them very recently, they're quite complacent about customer relations even in this difficult economic situation.
I've had successful purchases from John Lewis without any complaints but, I've found that their products can be over expensive for some people.
I have also found a product I required recently from Ikea, it was exactly what I wanted, wasn't available in either Lewis' or Ponsford, was transportable, and, even better, affordable.


To sum up, I say that Sheffield would benefit greatly from having an Ikea store so that we have healthy competition to our existing traders who cannot always supply what Sheffielders want or can afford. It would ease motorway congestion with Sheffielders having to travel to Notts. or Leeds which is also good for the environment.

I'd rather a Dwell shop than Ikea, any day of the week. Slightly more expensive but much better quality.

I Think There Shud Be An Ikea In Sheffield Because Doncaster , Chesterfield , Belfast etc. Most Places Have It Soo Sheffield Cud Have It Too :hihi:

I would be interested to know where the Ikea Stores are in Chesterfield and Doncaster.
There is an Ikea Distribution Depot off the M18 near Doncaster this is
not a store as far as I am aware.

The nearest Ikea to Chesterfield is in Nottingham.
If anyone knows any different please post details.

I would be interested to know where the Ikea Stores are in Chesterfield and Doncaster.
There is an Ikea Distribution Depot off the M18 near Doncaster this is
not a store as far as I am aware.

The nearest Ikea to Chesterfield is in Nottingham.
If anyone knows any different please post details.

I don't think I'd trust that post, to be honest. They appear to be what I affectionately call a "dumbass".

I would like to see an Ikea in Sheffield.

Where's Firecracker?

Is there an IKEA coming to sheffield then? If so were so I can make sure I dont accidently drive the other half past :)

mmmm ikea meatballs!!!! Mmmm Ikea hotdogs!!!!

Sorry going off track.

The swedish meatballs in coop are the same btw ;)

I hope they decide not to build an Ikea in Sheffield, I like going for a day out to Ikea!! I know, im a bit sad, but its true, with a break of meatballs and chips for lunch halfway round..mmm im hungry now.

Yep, I vote for an IKEA in Sheffield. Please.

I'd rather a Dwell shop than Ikea, any day of the week. Slightly more expensive but much better quality.


I'd love a Dwell too but I'm also quite fond of IKEA. You can't knock their kitchens or bedrooms - those cupboards are built to last and can be put together or dismantled any number of times, unlike the old MFI garbage.

I really missed Habitat when it closed down in the 80's, - but you can keep your poncy Ponsfords.

Everyone keeps saying the only IKEA's nearby are Leeds and Nottingham. A new IKEA store opened in Manchester (actually Ashton Under Lyne) which is just off the M60. It's about an hours drive from the start of Snake Pass (out of Crosspool) so about the same distance as IKEA Nottingham and Leeds.

IKEA seem to space their stores out across the country so that people who travel there make an event of it i.e. spending the best part of a day there and therefore spending more money. Adding a store in Sheffield doesn't seem to fit in with their marketing strategy.

IKEA put in a request a couple of years ago requesting permission to place a site on end of the Sheffield Parkway, near to Europa Way...however this was thrown out by city planners under the pretense that it would cause too much traffic in the area...

I disagree...i would guess that the the 300 or so jobs created by the company and the multi-million pound injection of cash into the local economy would thoroughly outweigh the negative side...and not just that...those who were to travel to the site during rush hour would surely lessen the burden on local infrastructure, as for long as they are in the store, their cars are in the car park and not on the road !!

I Think There Shud Be An Ikea In Sheffield Because Doncaster , Chesterfield , Belfast etc. Most Places Have It Soo Sheffield Cud Have It Too :hihi:

i think that is B&Q you are refering to !!

If you want cheap prefabricated tat, Nottingham and Leeds have enough of it.

Let them be the places one goes for IKEA and Sheffield be the places people come to for Posford?

Ponsfords? Do you also wipe your bum on five pound notes? ;)

Anyone know if IKEA will post you one of their new brochures? I fancy seeing if they have any nice new gear in. :thumbsup:

have a look on the website mathom

Has anyone else noticed that the food at IKEA has increased in price but doesn't taste as good?

Has anyone else noticed that the food at IKEA has increased in price but doesn't taste as good?

Yes, I have.

Once, when queueing for a hotdog I noticed that it was cheaper - per gram - to buy the smaller one too. Skanks.

Ponsfords? Do you also wipe your bum on five pound notes? ;)



I shop at Ponsfords and find it quite reasonable. Pointless buying a sofa for £800 from DFS and the like when it'll only last 4 years before it looks shabby, when the likes of Ponsfords, John Lewis and Barker & Stonehouse will charge you £1400 and it'll last for at least twice the time. And be more comfortable and better to look at.

I like a variety of furniture. My latest sofa and chairs were from M&S - certainly not the cheapest around, but not of the quality I bought years ago. However, I like Ikea for lots of the bits and pieces that are cheap and cheerful, and replaceable. I just don't want to have to make a day trip out of going there. I think an Ikea store near the Big W/Sheffield Airport would have made perfect sense - or even a bit further towards Doncaster off the M18 near the retail outlet.

I don't really understand why a local authority who were happy to have Meadowhall in the area didn't want Ikea! Perhaps a new application is needed now we have a different council?

There's an obvious place near Chapeltown. Just south of J35 on the M1 there's a massive area which is being re-developed. HSBC were going to put a computer place there but apparently they uncovered something which wouldn't have left the area stable enough for them. It'd be fine for normal warehouse type buildings though. Plus J35 is easily big enough to redevelop to handle more traffic.

There's an obvious place near Chapeltown. Just south of J35 on the M1 there's a massive area which is being re-developed. HSBC were going to put a computer place there but apparently they uncovered something which wouldn't have left the area stable enough for them. It'd be fine for normal warehouse type buildings though. Plus J35 is easily big enough to redevelop to handle more traffic.

i'm with you on that brain..oops BRIAN!!

Why are so many of the arguments about Ikea based on what they Personally think of the furniture. Surely it should be looked at from a commercial point of view. Would it fill a niche? Yes it would because at the moment a considerable number of people drive from Sheffield to the 2 nearest IKEAs. If they were already catered for by retail outlets in Sheffield why would they drive such distances. Would it supply new jobs? It certainly would. As for local small outlets going out of business if IKEA came to Sheffield I think the opposite might be true. At the moment people are driving out of Sheffield to go to IKEA and therefore are not looking at all suppliers but only one. Myself I furnish my house with a wide range of furnishings some secondhand, some local shops, and some IKEA and some via the Internet. I think other shops could copy some of IKEAs ideas in particular provision for children and then maybe they would get more trade.

When many people go to Ikea, they tend to make a day of it and visit other shops in the area. OK, they're chain stores so it all goes to a national company, but the employees are usually local and any saving in fuel usage has got to be an advantage.