IKEA for Western New York

Planning for a new IKEA for Western New York

2010-09-08T08:14:00.001-07:00

I've been neglecting this site for about a year. I have not been able to coming up with a good idea to grow this community.

I'm thinking to move this site from Blogger to WordPress...maybe a better format to have users interact with each other (without counting on my lazy butt to keep the discussion going).

I know there are a bunch of people interested to bring an IKEA store to our neighborhood...Petitions are keep growing without me updating the site. In fact, someone contacted me through this site who was interested in franchising an IKEA store in NY, and was wondering if anybody else is interested.

So I'm going to work on redesign this site so that I can provide a platform that's easy for the visitors throw ideas, mingle, and maybe just maybe, get together and really make things happen!

I'll be sure to contact all the people who have signed up for the newsletter and/or signed the petition when the new site is ready.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in discussing about IKEA store franchise, please leave a comment for this entry. I'll ask the emailer to check the comments.

It's official....IKEA 2010 Catalog is available

2009-07-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

IKEA made the official announcement for 2010 IKEA Catalog. You can order a copy to be sent to your home too. So if you haven't already visit their site and sign up!

Funny IKEA commercial

2009-07-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

via ikea hacker

IKEA 2010 Online Catalog is Available NOW!!

2009-07-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

Although IKEA said the catalog is not out until August, you can now see the new 2010 IKEA catalog online now. Go ahead, check it out!

RITVA Pair of curtains with tie-backs

2009-07-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

Good price (CA$39.99, US$29.99 for a pair), easy to adjust length (hemming strip included), not too heavy (works well with DIGNITET curtain wire system). Not good for insulation but a very good curtain for summer.

I just picked a wrong color.

Curtain turned out to be a bit too dark for my room. I picked gray but with the bedroom lighting it looks more like navy blue than gray. I should have picked either white or beige. I have another room that can use darker curtains. So next trip I'm buying another set.

Can't give two thumbs up or one...maybe a half thumb up, save another half until I get the right color.

Product Information via IKEA (Product Page)

Curtain that blocks out the sun, but lets in light.
Contains 2 panels with tie-backs.
The measurement applies to each individual curtain length.
SY iron-on hemming strip included; makes it easy to shorten the curtain to desired length without sewing.
Hidden tabs at the top.
The curtain can be hung on curtain rods, wires or KVARTAL suspension system
Length: 98 "
Width: 57 "

IKEA Catalog 2010 is coming in August

2009-07-07T05:25:00.000-07:00

New IKEA catalog is coming out in August. You can sign up to be notified when the catalog becomes available. I can't wait!!!

GRUNDTAL toilet roll holder

2009-07-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Another item I didn't purchase, GRUNDTAL toilet roll holder. Well...that's not quite a truth, I did purchase one before. I just didn't buy it this time around.

I love the design (that's why I bought it first time), very simplistic. Love the material (brushed Stainless Steel). So why didn't I buy this for our main bathroom (the first one is installed in our bathroom in the breathway)?

The arm is a bit too short to hold the toilet paper. I just need half more inch on the arm. Since I bought the first one in Canada, maybe toilet paper size in Canada is different from the American's. As far as the overall dimension goes, both Canadian & American versions are identical. IKEA site doesn't spell out the actual length of the holding arm.

If you own the CRUNDTAL toilet roll holder please let me know how well your toilet paper hang in this. I can't really give a thumb up or down.

Maybe I should stock up on Canadian toilet papers...

LILLÅNGEN Mirror cabinet with 2 doors

2009-07-06T08:24:00.001-07:00

My new bathroom is going to be using items from LILLÅNGEN series. I bought the sink, the cabinet that goes underneath the sink, the legs, faucet, etc....the whole nine yard (their review is coming as soon as I'm done with the remodeling) EXCEPT this mirror cabinet.

I had every intention to buy this until I saw them in the showroom.

The problem with this mirror cabinet is TOO DEEP. The LILLÅNGEN sink is pretty shallow which is nice for a small bathroom. At IKEA, they had it mounted about 15" above the sink...I can barely see myself in the mirror. Even with that much distance between the sink and the mirror, it still difficult to bend over without hitting my head against the mirror.

I thought of creating a hole in our wall & bury this thing...went against the idea so that I don't have to chop off the studs in the wall. I know some people wants a lot of storage space...I just wish they had a slimmer version of the mirror cabinet. One thumb down for LILLÅNGEN Mirror cabinet with 2 doors

P.S. I thought of hacking the cabinet but then I realized I can't cut anything straight.

SKOJ Clock

2009-07-05T06:50:00.001-07:00

The clock was on sale at IKEA Burlington for CA$9.99 (normally sells for CA$12.99 - US$6.99. I think Canadian price is way too overpriced sometimes). I wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't on sale. I needed a clock for my living room...so that's where it went.

I like the fact that the clock is semi-transparent. It blends nicely to a wall of any color. The clock doesn't pop out...perfect for a living room where you don't want to be reminded of time constantly but the information is there when you wanna know...like "is it time for 24 yet?". The ticking sound is little loud...not so much that you would be interrupted from your favorite TV shows but probably annoy me if I try to sleep in a quiet bedroom. So don't put this in your bedroom or office space if you prefer slience.

Product information via IKEA (Product Page)

Tempered glass; more durable than ordinary glass
Width: 11 "
Depth: 1 ½ "
Height: 11 "
Batteries are sold separately; 1pc LR6 AA size 1.5V battery required.

BÄSTIS Hook

2009-07-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

I made a trip to IKEA Burlington, CA over the weekend. It's been too long since I've been to IKEA...needed to breath IKEA air.

My main goal for this trip was to purchase items for our not-so-pretty pink bathroom. Finally we are getting rid of the last pink room in the house.

In any case, in addition to a bunch of bathroom items I picked up couple things from IKEA. So for next several days (or weeks depends on how busy I am with the remodeling) I'll be posting IKEA items that I purchased from the trip.

First item on the list is BÄSTIS Hook. I wanted this hook for our breathway slash our doggies' room. The hook is US$ 1.99 (CA$2.99) each.

I simply love them. They are sooooo adorable. They are made of Synthetic rubber. So I was worried about being little too soft to hold heavy stuff such as a retractable leash. But as you can see in the picture, it works just fine. It was very easy to mount. Had a lot of choices in color. I picked black & red since our door is red and one side of the wall is very dark brown.

Two thumbs up for BÄSTIS Hook!!!

Product dimensions Height: 4 ¾ "
Materials: Synthetic rubber, Polystyrene

IKEA's shipping issue got me thinking

2008-08-10T06:17:00.001-07:00

A few days ago, I was whining about how expensive IKEA charges for shipping.

My thoughts rambled on. It could be cheaper to drive to Toronto and get things if I have enough items to buy at once. But the thing is I don't have that many things to buy all at once. Spending on $50+ on gas to get a couple of small items isn't much better than paying IKEA for the shipping.

Then, an idea hit me...sort of. It would be nice if this site can collect donations for gas money and offer an volunteer to go to an IKEA store to buy things for the donors. This may be an temporary fix for Western New Yorkers to get their hands of IKEA without breaking their bank.

Now, my idea is still in segments. But here it is:

We raise $100 donation for a gas money for a volunteer to go to an IKEA store
When you submit a donation you also list items you would like the volunteer to purchase it for you
Once we raise $100 bucks we recruit for a volunteer with the list of items to purchase for the trip
When the volunteer is picked, with the date and location of the IKEA store he/she is going to visit. We'll do a bit of online research to check the products' availabilities. If some products are not available, we'll deduct the gas donation money associated with the product and the donated portion will be used for a next trip.
While this is happening, IKEA for Western New York will collect the money for the products from the donors prior to the volunteer's trip
The volunteer will make the purchase and come to one location (probably my house in Rochester area) to drop off the items. With purchased receipt and the products, IKEA for Western New York will reimburse the cost of the purchase and provide the gas money that are associated with the products that are actually purchased.
The donors can then come to the drop off location to pick up their items

Here are pros and cons of the program:

(PRO) The volunteer can save gas money for the trip especially if he/she has a plan to visit a place other than just going to an IKEA store...maybe a weekend trip to visit relatives, friends, or for a vacation?
(CON) Even though the volunteer will be reinbursed fully when he/she complete the trip, for some of the larger, more expensive items, it might put a financial burden on the volunteer temporarily. The alternative to provide the fund for the purchase upfront but then that will create an incentive for a scammer to volunteer and take the money and run. Maybe we'll put the limit on the price for the purchase request, or allow some special arrangement between donor/volunteer directly for the fund (at their own risk).
(CON) Seems like a lot of steps and take a bit of time to plan a trip
(?) What do we do with currency conversion if the volunteer decide to visit an IKEA store in Canada? My thought is to give $US1 = $CA1 as long as a US dollar worth more than a Canadian dollar and pay the volunteer at Canadian price...after all the volunteer has to go through the border we should give the person a break

So what do you think? Is this idea worth pursuing? Please feel free to post comments! Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Oooooo, new 2009 IKEA catalog is out

2008-08-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Have you guys checked the IKEA's new catalog yet? You can view the entire catalog online or you can sign up to receive one in the mail.

I haven't had a chance to look inside yet...I wanted to share the news first so that nobody miss this out.

I'm going to post my favorite new pieces later...what's your favorite?

Buying IKEA online isn't really an option

2008-08-06T07:08:00.001-07:00

IKEA offers online shop. called IKEA Direct, in their web site. Not all the products are available for online shopping, but most of them are.

So why do we want an local IKEA store? Why aren't we buying IKEA stuff from their website?

Because the shipping charge is OUTRAGEOUS!!! Every time I put something on the cart and goes through the checkout process their shipping cost more than the price of the items that I'm purchasing.

I love IKEA but they have to do something about their shipping charges before I actually start taking advantage of their online store.

There are a bunch of others that has the same complaints about IKEA's shipping charge.

This is another reason we SO DESPARATELY want an IKEA store nearby. Even the power of the Internet can't help us.

Soooo close to reaching 40 signatures

2008-08-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hi, all.

I know I've been neglecting this site for a while. Not that I haven't lost the passion for IKEA. I love IKEA. But I needed to keep a bit of distance so that my frustration for not being able to get my hands on IKEA stuff won't overtake my...no, that's not quite it.

In any case, I checked how many signatures we collected today, and I'm happy report that 19 more people signed up since last time. Let me share some of the messages left on the petitions:

"It's only logical!" - Shawn OHara

"YAY IKEA!!" - Anonymous

"Since Rochester is btwn Buffalo & Syracuse, it would make a great central location." - Marita Smith

"do it!" - Chris Iben

"YES!" - Marion Taylor

"I think Rochester would be a great place for IKEA. We have a building downtown, the first indoor mall in the US, that is now partly empty. There is much renovation taking place in the city, many lofts and town homes being developed - a perfect companion for IKEA" - Martha

"We are in desperate need of modern affordable items that Ikea has for the home. I am from the big city of Toronto who moved to Rochester. I feel like I moved back in a time zone of 15-20 years. I am huge into decorating my home with a slight modern look and have often gone to Toronto to purchase things to bring back to my home in Rochester. Please, we need Ikea in Rochester. They need to be educated here." - Lisa Giannetto

Thank you guys for sharing your thoughts.

Do you wanna "I DO" at IKEA?

2008-06-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

Apparently IKEA is seeking 20 couples to get married at an IKEA store in Burbank, CA. You can invite up to 16 friends/family members to the event, and IKEA will cover the reception, justice of the peace, entertainment and cake...I guess they are not flying you and your 16 friends/family members to CA. IKEA will also be giving out $500 IKEA gift card and more to the wedding couples.

If you are interested you can visit http://info.ikea-usa.com/weddingcouples for rules and entry form.

Do you love IKEA (and your soon-to-be spouse) enough to wed at an IKEA store? (and invite me to your IKEA wedding?)

Source: http://info.ikea-usa.com/weddingcouples/
Source: IKEA seeks couples to wed at Burbank location

IKEA Store Means Jobs

2008-06-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Lucky Tempa residents...they are getting an IKEA store in a year. In addition to the wonderful furnitures, they will be getting 400 new jobs...isn't that nice.

"IKEA Store Means Jobs" via WUSF

TAMPA (2008-06-05) In about a year, bay area fans of IKEA will have direct access to the Swedish-based company's furnishings and home goods. The Tampa store, now under construction, will be more than a boon for shoppers.
It will mean 400 new jobs with a respected employer.
Drawing from our Swedish heritage, even if you work 20 hours a week at IKEA, you're still eligible for full benefits, says Joseph Roth, a company spokesman.
Tampa's store is being built on the southeast corner of Adamo Drive and 22nd Street. It will be the largest in the state with 353,000 square feet, the size of seven football fields.
Now that there's been an official groundbreaking, the next milestones will include construction, naming of a store manager and hiring workers for the opening next summer.

Hooray! 20 signatures collected

2008-05-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

In little over a month (one month & three days to be exact) since we launched our site, we collected TWENTY signatures for the petition to bring an IKEA store to Western New York regions. We are pretty damn excited that the words are spreading. Thank you guys for your support.

We would like to share the some of the comments from the signers:

"We need an IKEA!!!!!" -Anonymous

Yup, we do!

"I love Ikea. It sucks having to drive to Canada." -Anonymous

Doesn't it? Crossing the border is such a pain in the bu**. Gas price isn't help us either. We feel your pain.

"Please please bring Ikea upstate. I travel for miles just to spend a day there. Love the store." -Diane Marie Jordan

Diane, have you tried their meatballs? A rumor is that their meatballs are to die for!

"I think an Ikea would bring a tremendous amount of business to the Rochester area, from Buffalo, Syracuse, maybe even as far as Binghamton or Albany. It really seems like the ideal location for one. The closest US Ikea to Rochester is in Pittsburgh." -Adrienne Dahler

We so agree with you Adrienne. More money coming into our region (we so need it, don't we), more jobs for the residents, affordable furniture = better living conditions, they are so many good things that an IKEA store can bring us!

"YAY IKEA!" -Anonymous

YAY IKEA lovers!

"Please bring Ikea to Rochester !!! It is an ideal market." -David Dangelantonio

We would love to hear your opinion in detail. Leave us some comments on our blog or email us what you think.

"I am constantly going online to purchase ikea products. Most often than not, the item I would like is not available on the online site. I have contacted a couple of the stores and was told I could not charge/send. I cannot make the trip to PA or Ma. It would be great if I could shop right here in Western NY!!! Just imagine the money there is to be made in this part of the country!" -rose rupert

Yes, their online store isn't so great. Available products are very limited, and even when you find an item you want to buy their shipping charge is soooooo expensive.

Thank you (again) for sharing your thoughts. Let's keep them coming!!!

IKEA on Cragslist: Week of May 18, 2008

2008-05-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Not many in Syracuse or in Buffalo, but tons of IKEA items in Rochester this week. My guess is all the graduating students from U of R and RIT are getting rid of their IKEAs...lucky for us.

Rochester, NY

May 24 - IKEA loft bed - double - $100
May 24 - Low, white IKEA coffee table - $15
May 24 - IKEA Bed and Mattress - $110
May 23 - IKEA coffee table - $25
May 23 - Ikea storage and flat file - $125
May 23 - Ikea CD holder - $45
May 23 - Ikea nightstand or wall shelf - $25
May 22 - IKEA TV Stand - $30
May 21 - Ikea ANEBODA bedside table in Birch
May 21 - IKEA chairs - $15
May 21 - IKEA large bookshelf
May 20 - ARMOIRE - IKEA - $150
May 20 - IKEA Awesome Comfy Chair - $40
May 19 - Ikea LACK coffee table - $40
May 19 - POST GRADUATION SALE!- - $1
May 19 - DRESSER - $15
May 18 - IKEA coffee table - $30

Buffalo, NY

May 22 - 6' tall Ikea floor lamp - $10
May 21 - IKEA TV Stand - $40
May 20 - ikea metal computer dest - $15
May 19 - IKEA TV Stand - $40
May 19 - stand - $10
May 18 - IKEA Loft Bed - $125

Syracuse, NY

May 24 - Ikea Wood Chairs - $60
May 21 - IKEA bed and mattress - $100
May 20 - Bed- Queen Sealy Posturepedic Plush Mattress and Ikea Bed Frame - $500
May 18 - IKEA cubic shelves - $60

Happy IKEA hunting!

IKEA on Cragslist: Week of May 11, 2008

2008-05-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delayed posting. Here is the list of the IKEA items on Craigslist this week:

Rochester, NY

May 17 - IKEA Toddler Bed - $50
May 17 - IKEA tables - contemporary & Mint condition - $100
May 16 - One Day Sale - $1
May 16 - IKEA wood CD shelf - $18
May 16 - IKEA wood Bookshelf - $39
May 16 - IKEA Side Tables - $25
May 16 - IKEA "Pello" Chair - $35
May 16 - IKEA_3 drawer dresser - $7
May 15 - IKEA wood CD shelf - $18
May 15 - IKEA Large Bookshelf - $39
May 15 - Sleeper sofa / couch / sofa bed - $250
May 15 - Graduation Sale: IKEA TV Stand, Bed (Foam Mattress)
May 14 - Dresser, Desk and Bed and Mattress for sale
May 13 - kitchen table - $50
May 13 - ****Black Leather Sofa's end table and coffee table****** - $1000
May 12 - * * * Nice IKEA Work Desk * * * - $50

Buffalo, NY

May 17 - Moving Sale Part IV - $5
May 17 - Gray love seat from Ikea less than 1 yr old - $75
May 16 - IKEA modern bar and stool set - $249
May 16 - Coffee Table - $20
May 16 - Pottery Barn sailboat nightlight - $5
May 16 - Moving Sale Part I - $5
May 16 - Ikea Entertainment Stand - $50
May 15 - IKEA TV Stand - $40
May 14 - Comfortable IKEA chair w/ pillows - $50
May 14 - Light Oak IKEA nightstand table - $25
May 13 - Moving Out- Kitchen Table with Chairs, Coffee Table, Night Stand - $80
May 12 - Ikea glass and beech modern bookcase or sideboard - $60
May 11 - IKEA Modern Bar and stool set - $299
May 11 - Pie Safe and End Table / Night Stand - $20

Syracuse, NY

May 17 - Large Ikea Computer Desk - $110
May 15 - IKEA Diktad Baby Crib - $80
May 15 - GREAT FURNITURE AT LOW PRICES - MOVING SALE!!!
May 13 - Moving Sale...Sofa Sleeper, Wicker Chairs/Table, Corner Desk, Lamps
May 13 - Cabinet - Ikea - Used - $49
May 12 - FREE Printer / Two Ikea chairs / Old bike
May 12 - huge moving sale AND free beer!

ALÄNG Floor Lamp

2008-05-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the floor lamp I purchased this week from Craigslist for $25.

It's ALÄNG Floor Lamp available in US IKEA for US$39.99 or in Canada IKEA for CAN$49.99 (but not available to purchase online via IKEA). It's an adjustable floor lamp with solid color shade with wavy texture. The bottom of the base is 8 1/2" W x 8 1/2", and the stem(?) part is roughly 5/8" diameter. At the minimum height, The lamp is steady solid on the hardwood floor. When you heighten the lamp, however, it gets little shaky but still stable. The lamp has four little rubber feet on the bottom to prevent sliding as well. The shade is made of polystyrene and paper, and seemed to be well constructed. The weaved paper shade is pretty solid so I'm not worried about shade being torn.

I love the pattern of the shade. The weaving pattern creates the soft light by mixing the lights and shadow from the texture. The pattern is small & simple...not too busy but not too plain...perfect.

The lamp is simple, elegant, and modern. It's well built for the price. I looked a bunch of floor lamps at local stores but they are either too expensive (over $100) or very shaky (poorly built). And the shade...it was so hard for me to find a right shade to meet my budget. ALÄNG got everything I wanted and at a awesome price (even at the retail price...but $25 it was a steal!). Two thumbs up for me.

Product Information via ikea.com

Product dimensions:

Width: 12 "
Min. height: 46 "
Max. height: 62 "
Cord length: 7 ' 5 "

Product materials:

Base plate/ Stem: Steel, Nickel plated
Shade: Polystyrene, Paper

Available Colors:

Nickel plated base & brown shade
Nickel plated base & white shade

IKEA on Cragslist: Week of May 4, 2008

2008-05-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

Seems like a lot of people are moving....this week, I saw a lot of IKEA for sale in Rochester. I purchased a floor lamp on the list.

Rochester, NY

May 10 - desk
May 10 - bookcase
May 10 - Carpet
May 9 - Ikea Computer Desk
May 8 - IKEA Glass Top coffee and end table
May 8 - Beautiful Modern Design Coffee Table
May 8 - IKEA Coffee Tables
May 8 - IKEA work desk
May 8 - ARMOIRE - IKEA
May 7 - Ikea Bed frame, Nightstand, Mirror, Showcase Stand, & Bookshelf
May 5 - foor lamp <- this one is gone...I bought it!
May 5 - kitchen table, dining table
May 4 - Lightwood IKEA Mirror
May 4 - New Condition Ikea coffee table, shelf, night stand

Buffalo, NY

May 10 - SONY WEGA TV 27" plus IKEA TV Stand
May 10 - IKEA desktop desk w/ drawer
May 9 - JVC 32' iArt TV/IKEA TV Stand
May 9 - Ocean themed nursery/kids room decor
May 8 - Moving- Selling me JVC iArt 32' TV with TV Stand from IKEA
May 8 - IKEA seashell lamp (wall-mounted)
May 5 - IKEA * CD Tower * Cherry stained wood with Black racks
May 5 - IKEA natural wood shelves (2)
May 5 - iArt JVC 32' TV/IKEA Stand
May 5 - 32' iArt JVC TV/IKEA Stand
May 4 - Apartment Sale

Syracuse, NY

May 10 - IKEA study and Dining table- both together
May 10 - classy and clean--furniture from one young professional to another
May 10 - Excellent Condition-Glass Dining Table (IKEA)
May 10 - Contemporary Entertainment Center
May 9 - Futons/Bookcase/Tables/More
May 9 - Chic Clean Furniture for SALE---May 9-May 14
May 9 - Chic Furniture for Young Professionals
May 9 - YUPPIE'S Dream Moving Sale-- classy fruniture from a clean appt
May 9 - Coffee Table
May 9 - Futon
May 8 - Futons/Tables/Kitchen Rack/Rug/Lamps/Microwave/IKEA

Happy IKEA hunting!

What WE will do for YOU

2008-05-08T08:38:00.001-07:00

Our most important goal is to BRING AN IKEA STORE TO WESTERN NEW YORK. To make our goal come true we need to promote our cause as well as promote IKEA to our region.

So, here are things we offer through our website:

Petition to bring an IKEA store
Please sign our petition so we can visualize our strong demand to bring an IKEA store to our neighborhood. With significant number of signatures on our list, we may be able to persuade IKEA or our city/country government to act.

Let's talk about IKEA
We would like to share our thoughts and your thoughts on IKEA for Western New York. We'll post our plans, ideas, issues, and thoughts so you can comment and have discussions. We'd love to post your plans, ideas, issues, and thoughts as well. Just email us your article and we'll post it here for you.

IKEA product reviews
We will feature IKEA products on our site so more people become familiar with IKEA products and hoping that they too want to bring an IKEA store to our area. Also, for already IKEA lovers, we can share our opinions on some of IKEA products...both good and bad.

Sell your IKEA products
If you have IKEA product(s) you would like to sell, drop us an email. We gladly post your item for FREE. Please make sure to include your contact information, item description, price, and image (optional).

Weekly IKEA hunting on Craigslist
Visit us every Saturday to see all the IKEA products for sale on Craigslist in our major cities in one glance. You might find exactly what you're looking for without crossing the border.

IKEA related events and promotions
This is still in discussion but we would like to organize trips to IKEA stores (maybe in Canada which is the closest store to our area) or/and have sweepstakes to win IKEA products. We are still brainstorming so if you have a suggestion or an idea let us know.

Periodical Newsletters
Occasionally we'll email you our newsletters letting you know our upcoming events, our progress on the campaign, etc.. If you are interested use the form on the upper left corner to sign up.

That's our list so far. Do you have suggestions? ideas? advices? Please feel free to share your thoughts in our comment area (click "# comments" link below to post/view comments).

Thanks!

This is why IKEA is BETTER

2008-05-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

I had an affair this weekend. We (my husband and I) went to a local non-IKEA furniture store to buy a sofa. I felt guilty for being unfaithful to IKEA but we needed a new sofa. So we went.

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.

We actually did find a sofa that I liked and the price was very reasonable.

BUT, BUT, BUT...

The salesperson we had to deal with was...horrible. He was impolite, rude, and unprofessional. This was my very first time to hear the word, "crap", during a sale's pitch. You might hear the word at a junk yard, maybe at a car shop but not at a nice furniture store.

STILL...

We initially bought a couch because we thought we would feel bad for not getting an item that we like because of that person. We came home feeling awfully upset and angry even though we are about to get a brand new sofa...that's just wrong.

LET IT GO...NOT!

We gave it a night. I woke up still upset thinking, "Why should the person get commission for treating us so horribly?!" I couldn't let it go. I grabbed the phone first thing in the morning and cancelled the order.

I FEEL BETTER NOW.

I'm sure many of the salespeople at the store are descent (though, by nature of being a salesperson, you've got to be aggressive & a bit annoying right?) but it's a hassle to deal with them.

IKEA HAS NO SALESPERSON on the floor to bug you!

That's my whole point of this entry. IKEA let me browse and test the products as long as I want without being pushed to buy things (and more things that you don't really want). There are staff on the floor to answer your questions but they won't be stalking you like other furniture stores.

A LESSON LEARNED.

Sorry IKEA for being unfaithful. We cheated because we didn't want to drive across the border to visit the store. The U.S. dollar is cheap, and the gas price is high, we though we might actually find something better than you are. But we didn't. We know you are THE BEST.

IKEA on Cragslist: Week of April 26, 2008

2008-05-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Seems like there are more IKEA stuff for sale this week. Personally, I'm looking for a dining set for six.

Rochester, NY

May 3 - IKEA glass top coffee and end table
May 3 - Simple Privacy Screen - Room Divider by IKEA
May 3 - Need stuff? Please, take mine!!
May 1 - Pre-Moving Sale-Saturday and Sunday
May 1 - New Ikea Len Toddler Sheets
Apr 29 - Ikea wood shelving unit
Apr 29 - IKEA TV Stand
Apr 27 - IKEA "Laurila" Dropleaf Gateleg Table
Apr 26 - IKEA POANG CHAIR

Buffalo, NY

May 3 - IKEA BUNK BED W/ MATCHING CHEST & DRESSER
May 3 - IKEA are rug ~brown/orange
May 3 - Sunday May 4th Elmwood Village garage sale / 9am-3pm
May 2 - Baby/Toddler/Kids items for sale
May 2 - MOVING SALE! EVERYTHING MUST GOOOOOOOOOO
May 1 - large work desk
May 1 - Great Garage Sale - Sat 5-3 & Sun 5-4 from 9AM to 2PM - RAIN OR SHINE
Apr 30 - For Sale - Shelves, Decor, Blinds.
Apr 30 - Locker
Apr 29 - JVC iArt 32' TV with Stand from KEA
Apr 28 - IKEA Storage/Organization Containers, Baby Nursery
Apr 28 - IKEA Seashell Wall Lamp
Apr 28 - IKEA Seashell Wall Lamp
Apr 27 - Ikea Klippan Sofa with Natural Slip Cover
Apr 26 - Area Rugs
Apr 26 - IKEA Kitchen Table w/ 4 chairs
Apr 26 - IKEA Dresser
Apr 25 - IKEA computer table w/ a chair

Syracuse, NY

May 3 - Contemporary Entertainment Center
May 3 - QUEEN BED, DRESSER, GLASS DESK + CHAIR all from IKEA or CRATE & BARREL
May 3 - IKEA glass table (dining/work)
Apr 29 - IKEA coffee table/end table combo
Apr 28 - IKEA desk excellent condition must go!
Apr 27 - Full Set of Apartment Furniture For Sale
Apr 26 - Moving sale - Computer desk and chair

Happy IKEA hunting!

Here is a success story: Ikea Fan Blog Helps Bring Store to Ohio

2008-05-02T04:42:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's entry was rather depressing, but there is another story (yes, again it's an old story) that is encouranging.

Ikea Fan Blog Helps Bring Store to Ohio via Strategic Public Relations

In a recent post on customer passion, I referenced Jen Segrest’s OhIkea blog.
It was the bellwether for anyone hoping the Swedish retailer would
locate to the Buckeye state.
Ikea announced a few weeks ago that its first store in Ohio will open next year. Thankfully for me it will be in suburban Cincinnati.
According to the Associated Press, the company attracts large numbers of shoppers with its modern, Scandinavian-style furnishings and its do-it-yourself concept. The company's sprawling blue and yellow trademark stores feature nearly 10,000 items and it expects to draw customers from Columbus, Dayton and other parts of Ohio as well as from Indiana and Kentucky.
Ikea’s cult following in the United States is due in part, in my opinion, by taking a
strategy that is the opposite of Starbucks. Instead of putting out a good product on every street corner, Ikea puts out a good product and only sells it by catalog and, currently, in 28 locations nationwide. The Ikea stores closest to Ohio now are in suburban Chicago, Pittsburgh and suburban Detroit.
Segrest traded a few emails with Strategic Public Relations recently and provides her
take on OhIkea, Ikea and customer fan blogs.
SPR: Your dream of having Ikea come to Ohio has been realized. When, and why, did you start the OhIkea blog?
JS: I heard a rumor from a friend who had a friend in the Reynoldsburg, Ohio (Columbus area) zoning office who said Ikea has been sniffing around. So I called the zoning board, spoke to a nice guy who said yes they had talked to them, but only that, and wasn't sure what the store was - so I told him. After that call I went, well, if they are looking there, they are looking around Ohio... I want to know where! The blog was born that afternoon. Two years later here we are. I didn't have to go snooping too much, the rumors came to me. Then I'd just call around to see if I could validate them. When I started getting multiple people, both within and outside of Ikea saying West Chester and "soon" I knew this ride was almost over.
SPR: It looks like you knew before the announcement took place. Did Ikea tell you?
JS: No, but Ikea spokesman Joe Roth was tormenting me in an email about how not EVERYTHING on my blog is right. A local reporter and I had been trading info and comparing notes. He told me a week prior, but I was told to keep it under my hat. I got the okay from him to put a couple sneaky hints up instead. I was dying to tell
everyone.
SPR: What has Ikea’s response been to your blog?
JS: Joe Roth told me in a phone call, as have other Ikea employees in stores and offices around the world, that they watch my blog very closely. I was even told my Saint Tokig picture I made on a silly lark was up in Ikea offices in Europe. That flips me out. Someone at the Ikea offices in Demark said my blog was extremely accurate, which was a good sign to me I was on the right scent. All my friends have been congratulating me this week, they all have seen me in the papers and stuff for a year now and they got the news too. I don't quite know what I'm being congratulated for…I didn't do ANYTHING but be nosey and blab about it.
SPR: Do you feel that you had an impact on Ikea coming to Ohio?
JS: I dunno. I think I was at the right place at the right time. I highly doubt me saying 18 months ago that West Chester would be an ideal spot because it reminded me of a young Schaumburg made them look there. I think for the fans though it's been great to know you're not the only Ohioan to have heard of them.
SPR: How do you feel about customers passionate enough to blog about a brand?
JS: Only the wildest poles of opinion get voiced. If you have an opinion about anything and an ounce of web savvy, out on the internet it goes. I think Positive Fanatics is more of an Ikea BRAND blog, I'm just an Ikea rumor monger, or have been to this point.
SPR: What’s the big deal about Ikea that drove you to mount this campaign? What’s their secret?
JS: I'm a design geek. But I'm also cheap. Its stuff just looks so nice and you have SOOO many choices. Forget three or four entertainment centers, they have 50. And not even the cheapest one is ugly. It's a concept that seems lacking in America. If it's ugly it's at least worthy of being cheap, if it looks good it MUST be expensive and non functional - and those are both wrong. Ikea is that middle ground, and it works because freaks like me build blogs to evangelize. Segrest blogged for Ikea’s attention…and got it. Look no further than Flickr to see other Ikea evangelists in action. There are more than 31,000 images tagged Ikea. Start with any of the Ikea Clusters or jump into the Ikea Lovers Pool.

Two years....that's awesome!

Old, but related news: IKEA Not Coming to Buffalo

2008-05-01T06:27:00.000-07:00

This is a year old news...but it's a relevant news for our site.

IKEA Not Coming to Buffalo via WGRZ News in Buffalo, posted in May 2007

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown returned Thursday from selling the Queen City to retailers at a Las Vegas convention. But are any of them buying the pitch?

The Swedish furniture retailer tells 2 On Your Side it has no plans to build a store in Buffalo, saying the city and its surrounding areas do not meet its criteria.

"We have no current plans to open a store in Buffalo, NY or anywhere else in Upstate New York," said Joseph Roth, Director of Public Affairs for IKEA.

"We typically open stores in cities that have two million people or more within a certain radius, and Buffalo is not there yet."

Jessica Weinstein: "We called IKEA today. They tell us they have no interest in Buffalo; they've never had any interest in Buffalo; and yet you met with a representative of theirs on Tuesday, you say. Can you explain this?

Mayor Byron Brown: "Well, we met with a consultant for the company, and what these meetings are is about prospecting. It's about planting a seed. It's about selling the city."

"I'm still going to pursue IKEA. I'm still going to pursue other biz that we met with."

Mayor Brown also planned to meet with Magic Johnson's urban investment fund called Canyon Johnson Urban Funds. A spokesperson did confirm a meeting between Johnson's partner Bobby Turned and the mayor. According to the company's website, Buffalo does meet its investment criteria. It's the right size, more than 215,000 population; and it's the right ethnic make-up, more than 40 percent minority. The website also states that the company invests in shopping and housing projects; both of which are in the waterfront development plan.

I didn't know City of Buffalo was trying to bring an IKEA to the city. I wonder if they made any progress since then.

Thank you IKEA lovers!

2008-05-01T02:37:00.001-07:00

On our first week, we already have three petition signatures and one newsletter sign up. We'd say it's a good start. It's very exciting to see that there are people in our region that love IKEA and support our cause. Thank you, Nathan, Cody, and Dawn for the signatures. And thank you for the person (We can't name the name for the newsletter sign ups for privacy) for the newsletter sign up) for signing up for our newsletter.

In coming weeks (hopefully in next 1-2 weeks) , we will post our official goals and strategies for our campaign to bring an IKEA store to Western New York. Also we are planning to organize an exciting online event soon. So please bookmark our site and check us out on the regular basis.

IKEA on Cragslist: Week of April 20, 2008

2008-04-26T06:42:00.001-07:00

Until we get an IKEA store in Western NY, we must hunt for IKEA stuff like scavengers. Here are some I found on Craigslist this week:

Rochester Area

2008-04-24 CHAIR IKEA
2008-04-23 Nice IKEA Work desk & Coffee Tables
2008-04-22 VD/CD TOWERS 7 feet tall by BENNO hold hundreds in
2008-04-22 Office Furniture & other Office items (IKEA)
2008-04-20 IKEA Wardrobe / Bedroom Set
2008-04-20 IKEA tromso loft twin bed

Buffalo Area

2008-04-25 IKEA MALM night table
2008-04-25 IKEA Coffee Table
2008-04-25 IKEA computer table w/ a chair
2008-04-24 LCD/CRT TV Bench/Entertainment Center *Ikea*
2008-04-23 dish set
2008-04-23 32' iArt JVC Tube TV/IKEA TV Stand
2008-04-20 Black futon mattress and frame with matching IKEA end tables

Syracuse Area

2008-04-25 Ikea desk, chair and lamp $50 for set
2008-04-23 3 piece Ikea bookcase lightning set
2008-04-20 white shelf 6 feet tall 4 dividers

Happy IKEA hunting!

Helloooooooooooooo, is anybody out there?!

2008-04-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty damn sure that I'm not the only one in Western NY that wants IKEA in our neiborhood instead of crossing the border and driving 2 hours to visit a Canadian IKEA where the prices are 10% higher (oh yeah, cheap U.S. dollars too).

So I'm starting this website hoping to gather Western New Yorkers who share the same love & passion for IKEA and hopefully lobby our way to bring IKEA to our hometown!

Here is what I know. I want the store HERE in Western New York. Here is what I DON'T know...how to bring the store HERE in Western New York. That's right I have NO CLUE what need to be done to make this dream come true.

I know it's a looooooooooooong way to go. Wanna help? Let me know!