Except it's the last place anywhere in town they would go. Not to mention they don't build in malls, they are a free-standing building. And Crossroads is dead. Oh yeah, and no one would believe it.

Did you contact the guy in the call center making $7 an hour or someone with authority?

Kill the messenger much?

Same the discussion I talk with my wife and she also cast their vote for the IKEA. Well There is nothing wring in it if she want because Its also trusted..Its very true idea about the kitchen furniture. Keep it up buddy..

It's official - no IKEA in OKC in the near future. IKEA's blog says no new stores in 2013.

From the IKEA website: 2013 IKEA openings - none. (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/customerservices/faq)

"Question #12. What new IKEA store openings are scheduled?
No scheduled openings for 2013.

Then....the next new IKEA in the midwest will be built in Kansas City in 2014. Ground breaks for KC store in spring of 2014.

Kansas City Store location article (http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/09/27/ikea-offers-details-about-kansas-city.html?page=all).

I think, as far as IKEA was concerned, OKC was too close to their Dallas location.

It's official - no IKEA in OKC in the near future. IKEA's blog says no new stores in 2013.

From the IKEA website: 2013 IKEA openings - none. (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/customerservices/faq)

"Question #12. What new IKEA store openings are scheduled?
No scheduled openings for 2013.

Then....the next new IKEA in the midwest will be built in Kansas City in 2014. Ground breaks for KC store in spring of 2014.

Kansas City Store location article (http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/09/27/ikea-offers-details-about-kansas-city.html?page=all).

I think, as far as IKEA was concerned, OKC was too close to their Dallas location.

This is not surprising news.

And us not getting one has less to do with proximity to Dallas and more to do with the fact that we dont have the population numbers.

There probably needs to be a question mark in the title of this thread. While most of us know there's not going to be an exciting new announcement, casual passersby might be fooled, and that's how rumors get started.

There probably needs to be a question mark in the title of this thread. While most of us know there's not going to be an exciting new announcement, casual passersby might be fooled, and that's how rumors get started.

Good point. I also suggest there be a question mark in the title.

On the topic of IKEA, I've never been -- although I have looked through some of their magazines -- but my uncle goes to the one in Dallas (Frisco) to buy a lot of furniture and accessories and he says it's a very nice store. I've also heard many good things about it from friends and family that are currently living or have previously lived in an IKEA market (Atlanta, Portland, Chicago, etc.). I am making a trip in the next week or so to buy furniture and am excited about it from the things I've heard and seen about it.

Population was a factor, I'm sure, but several of the articles I read also mentioned there is no IKEA location between Dallas and Chicago. IKEA wanted a centralized location that complemented their shipping and distribution network.

And like any good company, the sales department can drill your zip code out of its receipts to find out if a good number of folks from the area go down there....i'm guessing not enough of us are.

Honestly, I've been in the Houston store and it was okay. One of the kids bought a bed from them, and I guess the advantage is being able to buy furniture in kit form and assemble it when you get home.

I personally would not drive to DFW to shop there.

IKEA is not a store that I would covet at all. Several in the DC area. Not impressed with their offerings at all. No great loss

I drive to IKEA Dallas at least twice per year. No one can rival the quality of their design AND affordability. Many would argue that affordability is a characteristic of good design. We shouldn't expect to see their store opening in 2013 if they haven't purchased land or begun construction to date. The rumor I heard was that they are acquiring land on Memorial Road. If that is true, I wouldn't expect an opening for another 5 years or so.

Ikea is furniture in a box, no question. It's crappy particle board stuff. But there is also a lot more thought put into it than anything you'll find at walmart. If you've ever been to a store, you'll see how much more they have to offer. Everything from appliances, counters, cabinets, bookshelves, bedding, kitchenware, toys, etc. It's all at a good price as well.

No it's not some fantastical amazing place or anything, but especially for kids, the stuff is great. You dont have to spend an arm and a leg on a bookcase that some kid is going to tear up in a few years.

We used to occasionally go to the store in Houston when we lived there. It's fun for what it is. It's not some place I would go to shop for furniture for my house, but it's great for college aged/young adults. We bought 2 computer desks for our kids at their store in Frisco. They've served us well and even though the kids have now gone, we still have the desks. We also bought a TV cabinet at the store in Austin for one of sons apartments. It works great of a college kid. I do like some of their housewares etc. but they aren't any better than what you can find at Target.

I cannot imagine them building one here until the metro grows substantially .

I really like the store, for what it is. Great for teens, college students, renters, small spaces or for people who like to completely revamp their home's look every couple of years. My parents rent a nice place in Austin, but it has very little storage - so they bought several storage type wall units etc. 4+ years ago and they still work and look great. Plus, when they go to move, they can toss them, leave them, sell them, donate them and not really feel like they wasted their money. I personally really like their kitchen and bath fixtures, etc. I've actually seen several downtown OKC spaces that obviously had IKEA pieces in them. Some of it is crap and some of it is pretty nice.

IKEA is nice, but there are many things I would rather see in OKC before IKEA. When I lived in Charlotte, I only went to the IKEA store a few times in the three years I was there. I wasn't really that impressed, but its still a fun place to shop.

As for metro size, Charlotte had 1.3 million in its metro in 2000 and it got its IKEA by the middle of the decade. Of course, the city was booming during that period, but its not as much of a longshot as you'd think. Plus, furniture isn't affected by liquor laws!

I live in St. Louis, which has almost 3 million people, and we were just rocked with the news that IKEA was building a store in KC and not in STL. The reason given was that IKEA draws from a trade area of about 250-300 miles, and for us that would mean taking in almost all of Illinois. Trouble is, there are already stores in Chicago which effectively service most of that state. In KC there was no competing store until you got all the way across to Denver or down to Dallas. In effect, STL is stymied for many years to come, as we now have stores 250 miles northeast and 250 miles due west. And, again, our population is almost 3 million. I'm afraid OKC will now fall in that same type of donut hole between Dallas and KC. Also they only build a few stores a year so they'll keep working on areas where you can't drive to an IKEA in 4-5 hours. It will be a long time before OKC gets an IKEA.

And yes, I am aware that Austin is less than 250 miles from Dallas. I have no explanation for that, unless they just saw a unique opportunity with the demographics of that area.

The idea that it is "crappy particle board stuff" is just not true. I can't speak for every piece of furniture in their store but I'm currently putting together a chest of drawers and it is wood, not particle board. (I have the splinters to prove it.)

I've bought several pieces of furniture from them that were real wood, not particle board, and they've held up great. They actually test their furniture for durability. Most everything I've seen in the IKEA furniture department is at least equal to low or mid-range Mathis Brother stuff. There does seem to be some furniture snobbery out there when you mention IKEA. It may not be family heirloom material, but it's good stuff for a good price.

For now it looks like an occasional trip to Frisco will have to suffice.

And yes, I am aware that Austin is less than 250 miles from Dallas. I have no explanation for that, unless they just saw a unique opportunity with the demographics of that area.
I think the Austin-San Antonio market was too big of a lure for them, they were given huge incentives by Round Rock and Williamson County so that is why it is on the north end of the Austin metro area, it is still 200 miles between Round Rock and Frisco and traffic through Dallas makes it seem further. The Denver store received large incentives from Centennial and Arapahoe County.

OK, so we just need to set up an incentive area in town. Which 'burb wants to take it on?

My money is on Moore.

My money is on Moore.

It would be a great fit between Moore and Norman. IKEA generally needs a lot of undeveloped land because it's footprint is huge. Somewhere along I-44 on the north side might work as well.

It would be a great fit between Moore and Norman. IKEA generally needs a lot of undeveloped land because it's footprint is huge. Somewhere along I-44 on the north side might work as well.


Boo, northside, booo.

IKEA is nice, but there are many things I would rather see in OKC before IKEA. When I lived in Charlotte, I only went to the IKEA store a few times in the three years I was there. I wasn't really that impressed, but its still a fun place to shop.

As for metro size, Charlotte had 1.3 million in its metro in 2000 and it got its IKEA by the middle of the decade. Of course, the city was booming during that period, but its not as much of a longshot as you'd think. Plus, furniture isn't affected by liquor laws!

Charlotte already had 1.5 million in its metro in 2000.

This thread won't die will it? Not happening and if someone put a sign up at crossroads then they are playing a joke. I've said this several times in this thread , ikea officials have stated they will only open a store in a metro area with 2million+ people. We are not there, end of thread.

IF an Ikea official ever said that he/she was either lying or clueless. It is demonstratively false. Ikea currently has stores in Charlotte (metro population 1.75 million); Salt Lake City (metro population 1.1 million); and Austin (metro population 1.7 million).

Ikea has announced they plan a major expansion in the United States over the rest of this decade. No doubt, OKC is not at the top of their prospect list, but I would not be surprised to see a store in OKC around the end of this decade.

Charlotte already had 1.5 million in its metro in 2000.

That was its CSA (Combined Statistical Area) figure which includes some extra counties. If you use that figure today, Charlotte has 2.1 million. It's MSA was 1.3 million in 2000 and is 1.7 million in 2010.

As for IKEA, I think somewhere near Frontier City would be the perfect spot, near where I-35 and I-44 split. That would also make it easily accessible from Tulsa as well increasing its chances of success.

Just got back from IKEA today in Tempe, AZ; I have only ever been in this one and the one in Frisco.

I must say, just several years ago I would have gone into the one in Frisco and never gotten the impression that what I saw could be supported by Oklahomans, but after being in the pleasantly uncrowded Tempe store today and thinking of the experience translating to Oklahoma City, I really think the metro is ready and could support the style/services that IKEA provides. Here's to hoping you guys get one within the decade...

That was its CSA (Combined Statistical Area) figure which includes some extra counties. If you use that figure today, Charlotte has 2.1 million. It's MSA was 1.3 million in 2000 and is 1.7 million in 2010.



Right you are. It turns out not every source found on the internet is accurate. ;-)

These so-called rules for construction of Ikea stores are obviously not much more than urban myths. They have at least three in metro areas smaller than 2 million population. And look at their store locations. They have quite a number located less than 250 miles from another store. (Austin is far too close to Houston to have a store according to this "rule." The Frisco store is about the same distance from the Houston store as the KC store will be to St. Louis, so St. Louis should not let the KC store bother it. FWIW, the Frisco store is farther from OKC than the Austin store is from the Houston store.)

Ikea recently said they are accelerating their growth plans for the next 10 years in the US. I'm sure OKC is not at the top of that list, but would not be surprised if Ikea gets to OKC in the next 10 years.

And yes, I am aware that Austin is less than 250 miles from Dallas. I have no explanation for that, unless they just saw a unique opportunity with the demographics of that area.

Your 250 mile trade area theory would actually require the stores to be 500 miles apart, not just 250 miles. I think you'll see an Ikea in the STL area before the decade is out, probably within 3-4 years, if not sooner.

I don't get why this thread is still active. I've been in some IKEAs (although not in the U.S.) and it's an interesting shopping experience, but y'all remember Service Merchandise, right? I've had their furniture and, while relatively well constructed, it's uncomfortable IMO. I can't imagine that having and IKEA here will make any of our lives more complete.

Heard a joke that IKEA was coming out with their own beer, but there's a warning / restriction on the can that says you have to assemble your furniture before you can crack one open.

I don't get why this thread is still active. I've been in some IKEAs (although not in the U.S.) and it's an interesting shopping experience, but y'all remember Service Merchandise, right? I've had their furniture and, while relatively well constructed, it's uncomfortable IMO. I can't imagine that having and IKEA here will make any of our lives more complete.

Heard a joke that IKEA was coming out with their own beer, but there's a warning / restriction on the can that says you have to assemble your furniture before you can crack one open.

Thread is still active because people have hope that Ikea is coming, if there is no hope then this thread would have been dead

I don't get why this thread is still active. I've been in some IKEAs (although not in the U.S.) and it's an interesting shopping experience, but y'all remember Service Merchandise, right? I've had their furniture and, while relatively well constructed, it's uncomfortable IMO. I can't imagine that having and IKEA here will make any of our lives more complete.

Heard a joke that IKEA was coming out with their own beer, but there's a warning / restriction on the can that says you have to assemble your furniture before you can crack one open.

I actually worked for the Service Merchandise part-time in Norman in 1990 when I went to OU. Comparing them to IKEA is a joke right? Exactly which big box store wold make any of our lives complete? I personally hope they eventually build one near OKC (Moore/Norman area would be my preference).

Agreed. In no way is Service Merchandise the same animal.

Anyone else hear that now there's a place for the guys to be "dropped off" at as well. That's freaking hilarious! If you didn't know already, you can drop your kid off in a play area for a while you shop (as long as it's less than 2 hours). And now there's a place for the boyfriends/husbands/etc. of the world to be left while the lady-folks shop. LMFAO

Agreed. In no way is Service Merchandise the same animal.

Anyone else hear that now there's a place for the guys to be "dropped off" at as well. That's freaking hilarious! If you didn't know already, you can drop your kid off in a play area for a while you shop (as long as it's less than 2 hours). And now there's a place for the boyfriends/husbands/etc. of the world to be left while the lady-folks shop. LMFAO

Won't happen with me. The wife is ready to leave way before I am when we go to the Austin IKEA. Same goes for electronics stores, hardware stores and office supply stores.

I actually worked for the Service Merchandise part-time in Norman in 1990 when I went to OU. Comparing them to IKEA is a joke right? Exactly which big box store wold make any of our lives complete? I personally hope they eventually build one near OKC (Moore/Norman area would be my preference).

Not really a joke. I don't see how the shopping experience is much different. See what you want. Write down the code. Get the product when you check out. Sure, IKEA sells furniture and SM sold electronics, but otherwise -- same concept IMO.

Not really a joke. I don't see how the shopping experience is much different. See what you want. Write down the code. Get the product when you check out. Sure, IKEA sells furniture and SM sold electronics, but otherwise -- same concept IMO.

Not even close to comparable - not even close. You've reduced to comparison to the point its pointless. Like comparing a $10,000 to a $100,000 - "They've both got wheels and both get you from A to B, so they are comparable."

Not even close to comparable - not even close. You've reduced to comparison to the point its pointless. Like comparing a $10,000 to a $100,000 - "They've both got wheels and both get you from A to B, so they are comparable."

I get it. I kind of agree. Tell me then, what do you want from IKEA that isn't being satisfied in the OKC market?

As far as my posts are considered, I was simply repeating what they said on the St. Louis local news. They had some sort of statement from IKEA that was vague, and then an interview with some kind of retail location expert. It's been too many weeks now for me to remember all the specifics. I was just passing along what I had heard.

I get it. I kind of agree. Tell me then, what do you want from IKEA that isn't being satisfied in the OKC market?

They offer one stop shopping for many products I don't feel I can easily get in OKC - that is one reason we shop IKEA often when we go to Austin. Many of their products are unique enough they are readily recognizable. When you walk into a kitchen done in IKEA, you know you're looking at an IKEA kitchen (which can be good or bad).

Sam's Club sells jeans and dress shirts - so why do I need some fancy smancy jean or men's store at the mall? If you don't know the answer to that, then we are too far apart to continue this conversation.

My favorite part of Ikea are the vignettes that show how smartly designed small spaces can be great places to live. The Frisco store has a complete one bedroom apartment in about 400 sq ft and it is actually very nice.

When you walk into a kitchen done in IKEA, you know you're looking at an IKEA kitchen (which can be good or bad).
They have great cabinets for the money, my boss (and his significant other, our former marketing director) bought a house near Lake Austin (off 2222 just east of 360) and completely renovated the house, a big change from the original 70-80's era house that it was. They had Ikea cabinets in the kitchen with custom granite countertops, you would never know they were Ikea cabinets by that installation. If we build or renovate we will probably go that route, they have some very nice cabinets for a good price along with some very inexpensive cabinets.

Right now in our rental house we are using some bookcases with doors as pantry/storage since this mid-70's era house is lacking in cabinet space. When we buy or build they will probably end up in the basement, if we have enough ceiling height, the basement we have now would have a hard time fitting them (7'-0" tall).

Althought IKEA is on my list of dream stores to come to the OKC market, along with a host of others, H&M, Trader Joe's, urban outfitters, etc..., I am not too hopeful. There is no secret formula to where they open up a new location. The US is still a relatively new market for them, so it is in part, an experiment. When I lived in Germany, there were two IKEAs in my town, and three more within an hours drive. I anticipate that someday the US will have IKEAs everywhere, not at the level of Europe, but at least one in every state.

The uniqueness of the items is what really gets them. You won't find most of the products anywhere else. You might find something sort of similar, but not the same. No where do you find the entire room set up for you to see either. At wally world, you see a part of a desk or something, but at Ikea, you see the whole room, and then easily see what it costs.

The range of products is pretty damned incredible at Ikea as well. There are the obvious furniture items...book cases, tv stands, shoe stuff, closet organization, toddler beds, desks, etc. But the extras go far beyond that. Counter Tops and cabinets, appliances (i think everything but a dishwasher...dont think ive ever see a dishwasher there), children's toys that you won't find elsewhere, accentware like lamps, plants, towels, bedding, kitchenware like plates, glasses, silverware, small appliances, bowls, etc., not to mention the food items

It's really like a furniture store and bed-bath-and-beyond got slammed together with a corner grocery.

Sam's Club sells jeans and dress shirts - so why do I need some fancy smancy jean or men's store at the mall? If you don't know the answer to that, then we are too far apart to continue this conversation.

Wow. I had no idea there were other options than Sams for clothing [/sarcasm]. There's a whole spectrum of shopping options out there, ya know. It's not like Judge Dredd's cola wars are going on and it's Sams or IKEA or nothing. I've just never felt that the comfort of IKEA products was up to the level of comparably priced furniture in other stores. There IS a certain IKEA look, alright. Everytime I see Tinker Toy-style furniture or wooden futons, I conjure up IKEA. Y'all are right: Cool displays. Y'all are right: The higher end stuff they sell is remarkable. When I can make or have someone make stuff that looks just as good at a better price, IKEA fails in my book. Cool stores. Fun displays. Interesting shopping concept (Service Merchandise had it here first). Not on my wishlist for shopping options in OKC and I see no reason to drive that far to look at uncomfortable furniture when there are interior design magazines available. Yeah, I guess we're that far apart.

Wow. I had no idea there were other options than Sams for clothing [/sarcasm]. There's a whole spectrum of shopping options out there, ya know. It's not like Judge Dredd's cola wars are going on and it's Sams or IKEA or nothing. I've just never felt that the comfort of IKEA products was up to the level of comparably priced furniture in other stores. There IS a certain IKEA look, alright. Everytime I see Tinker Toy-style furniture or wooden futons, I conjure up IKEA. Y'all are right: Cool displays. Y'all are right: The higher end stuff they sell is remarkable. When I can make or have someone make stuff that looks just as good at a better price, IKEA fails in my book. Cool stores. Fun displays. Interesting shopping concept (Service Merchandise had it here first). Not on my wishlist for shopping options in OKC and I see no reason to drive that far to look at uncomfortable furniture when there are interior design magazines available. Yeah, I guess we're that far apart.

No idea why you are so stuck on the 'comfyness' from IKEA. Their couches and loveseats (just about the only thing you could be referring to) make up a tiny percentage of their products and have never been the first thing that comes to mind when I think about IKEA.

I also highly doubt you could have many of their most popular items made (or make yourself) that would look as good at their price or lower. That's cool you don't care for them - my grandmother likes places that sell old saw blades painted with farm scenes on them - doesn't mean I think she has much home decor sense. But, that's just me.

Also, your insistence on comparing them to Service Merchandise simply because SOME of their items have to be pulled from the back is pretty week. I guess Mathis Brothers is identical to IKEA too - every time I've bought something from them it had to be picked up at their loading dock.

Since this topic continues to go on, I will have to say that the closet systems from ikea are awesome. Can adapt them for all kinds of purposes from shoe shelving to sliding pant racks

Since this topic continues to go on, I will have to say that the closet systems from ikea are awesome. Can adapt them for all kinds of purposes from shoe shelving to sliding pant racks

If we were going to stay in our house we would so rip out two of the closets (down to the studs) and put in two IKEA closets and then reframe them in. They are really great and so much cheaper than those custom closet places.

Don't know if others noticed this, but they broke ground on an IKEA store in SW Kansas City. (340 miles from OKC)

Ikea’s groundbreaking in Merriam likely to spur development nearby - KansasCity.com (http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/08/4335762/ikeas-groundbreaking-today-in.html)

Oklahoma City is referenced in this article as a city in a 6 state region that they are going to try and pull from.
Looks like OKC's chances for an IKEA got a lot smaller..

^
I don't think they were ever that great to begin with.

Oklahoma City is referenced in this article as a city in a 6 state region that they are going to try and pull from.


Maybe Bartlesville. OKC is closer to Frisco than KC.

Don't know if others noticed this, but they broke ground on an IKEA store in SW Kansas City. (340 miles from OKC)

Ikea’s groundbreaking in Merriam likely to spur development nearby - KansasCity.com (http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/08/4335762/ikeas-groundbreaking-today-in.html)

Oklahoma City is referenced in this article as a city in a 6 state region that they are going to try and pull from.
Looks like OKC's chances for an IKEA got a lot smaller..

That doesn't make sense regardless as OKC is far closer to Dallas, which has an IKEA, than KC. I wouldn't drive anywhere for IKEA, but I might shop there if we had one here. My kitchen table is IKEA, but I bought it locally.

IKEA is not that great of a store. It would be nice to have one, but there's nothing special about them.

IKEA is not that great of a store. It would be nice to have one, but there's nothing special about them.

The thing I like about IKEA is you get a lot for your money. The stuff you get from there isn't that great, but its awesome for young people living in apartments without the cash to shell out for fine furniture. It's better than the cheap stuff you buy at Wal-Mart or Target for not much more.

OKC is likely too small to be on IKEA's radar any time soon. They don't usually locate in metro areas much below 2 million.

The thing I like about IKEA is you get a lot for your money. The stuff you get from there isn't that great, but its awesome for young people living in apartments without the cash to shell out for fine furniture. It's better than the cheap stuff you buy at Wal-Mart or Target for not much more.
Yep, we have quite a bit of Ikea stuff right now as we are transitioning from "it will work for now" furniture to "what we really want" when we build. They also have some very good for the money kitchen items that are very clean in style and design. We have some cabinets in the basement and one in the computer room and the guest room furniture is from Ikea because the price was right for it. Since we bought this house we have started transitioning, we bought dining room furniture from Scandinavian Designs (http://www.scandinaviandesigns.com/), much better prices than what I remember Dane Design (in OKC) or the similar store in Austin having. You just have to realize what you are getting in Ikea furniture, it is by no means "heirloom furniture" but a decent piece of furniture for the price.

You just have to realize what you are getting in Ikea furniture, it is by no means "heirloom furniture" but a decent piece of furniture for the price.

That's probably the best description of Ikea that I've seen here. That the the "it will work for now". Much like a kid's bed....you don't want to pay too much for it becuse it won't hang out long, so Ikea works because it's cheaper and then you don't feel as bad about it when you're done with it.

Oak, it is not...that's for sure.

That's probably the best description of Ikea that I've seen here. That the the "it will work for now". Much like a kid's bed....you don't want to pay too much for it becuse it won't hang out long, so Ikea works because it's cheaper and then you don't feel as bad about it when you're done with it.

Oak, it is not...that's for sure.

I actually just bought a couch from Ikea after being unable to find one I liked at any of the local furniture stores. It's been pretty comfy for the first week, have to see how it ages.

That's probably the best description of Ikea that I've seen here. That the the "it will work for now". Much like a kid's bed....you don't want to pay too much for it becuse it won't hang out long, so Ikea works because it's cheaper and then you don't feel as bad about it when you're done with it.

Oak, it is not...that's for sure.

I'm sorry but who buys oak furniture anymore? What is this 1998?

I'm sorry but who buys oak furniture anymore? What is this 1998?

I'd guess plenty of people. Some of us don't shop at IKEA.