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Hey, that would be a great idea. But I'm not sure Columbia is even on IKEA's radar right now, but it's still a good idea nonetheless. Forest Acres could use that tax revenue.
Some people thought Columbia wasn't on Whole Foods' radar screen.
Last edited by Charlestondata; 07-08-2011 at 05:52 AM..
Some people thought Columbiawasn't on Whole Foods' radar screen.
But look at the cities that Whole Foods is in versus the ones that IKEA is in. That's where the difference lies. Outside of Florida, there are only two IKEA stores in the southeast: Atlanta and Charlotte. I'm pretty sure there are other larger southeastern cities in line first for an IKEA store before Columbia.
But look at the cities that Whole Foods is in versus the ones that IKEA is in. That's where the difference lies. Outside of Florida, there are only two IKEA stores in the southeast: Atlanta and Charlotte. I'm pretty sure there are other larger southeastern cities in line first for an IKEA store before Columbia.
Very true. Also, doesn't IKEA pretty much always use purpose-built structures? I've seen IKEAs on two continents and they pretty much always look the same: Giant blue behemoth looming in the distance. Not sure where an existing structure in an inner ring suburb-thats-barely-a-suburb would fit into that....
(Plus, surprise surprise, I'm a big proponent of American-made furniture, so I've all but sworn off IKEA.)
Very true. Also, doesn't IKEA pretty much always use purpose-built structures? I've seen IKEAs on two continents and they pretty much always look the same: Giant blue behemoth looming in the distance. Not sure where an existing structure in an inner ring suburb-thats-barely-a-suburb would fit into that....
Yeah, you have a point. Maybe they could build one on Bush River Road; it could certainly use a shot in the arm like that. *shudder*
I personally don't see what the big deal is about IKEA. It's mostly crappy furniture, some of which is affordable for the college-aged and 20-something crowd. I suppose it's become somewhat of a status symbol because they have strict standards about where they locate. But other than that, I don't see it.
I personally don't see what the big deal is about IKEA. It's mostly crappy furniture, some of which is affordable for the college-aged and 20-something crowd. I suppose it's become somewhat of a status symbol because they have strict standards about where they locate. But other than that, I don't see it.
That could be said about pretty much every big-name trendy national chain around.
I personally don't see what the big deal is about IKEA. It's mostly crappy furniture, some of which is affordable for the college-aged and 20-something crowd. I suppose it's become somewhat of a status symbol because they have strict standards about where they locate. But other than that, I don't see it.
I agree...I am not sure why IKEA is so popular. I have the same reaction to Trader Joes. Although interesting, TJ is in no way upscale, just trendy. But, the Charlotte IKEA seems to have a trade area stretching down to Charleston and into Virginia. So, a lot of people like it.
As for a SC store, IKEA typically looks at a metro with at least 2m people. Retailers can change their requirements or store sizes to fit smaller metros but, unless things change, I don't see one in SC anytime soon.
I agree...I am not sure why IKEA is so popular. I have the same reaction to Trader Joes. Although interesting, TJ is in no way upscale, just trendy. But, the Charlotte IKEA seems to have a trade area stretching down to Charleston and into Virginia. So, a lot of people like it.
Why would something have to be upscale to be popular? I'd imagine the opposite would be true.
People (myself included) like Trader Joe's because you can get the sort of thing you'd pay 8 dollars for at Whole Foods or 7 dollars for at Publix for 3 dollars. It's not much more complicated than that. The cheese, wine, and frozen seafood sections alone are worth the price of admission.
While I'm not keen on IKEA, they're popular because they offer style and function (though rarely durability) for pennies on the dollar compared to what you'd pay at even mid- to low-end chain stores. It's all cheap crap, but at IKEA it tends to be nicer cheap crap than what you'd pay the same or more for at WalMart or Target.
In both cases, it's a hint of style and/or class that people can actually afford. That's what makes something popular (in the truest sense of the word), does it not?
Why would something have to be upscale to be popular? I'd imagine the opposite would be true.
People (myself included) like Trader Joe's because you can get the sort of thing you'd pay 8 dollars for at Whole Foods or 7 dollars for at Publix for 3 dollars. It's not much more complicated than that. The cheese, wine, and frozen seafood sections alone are worth the price of admission.
While I'm not keen on IKEA, they're popular because they offer style and function (though rarely durability) for pennies on the dollar compared to what you'd pay at even mid- to low-end chain stores. It's all cheap crap, but at IKEA it tends to be nicer cheap crap than what you'd pay the same or more for at WalMart or Target.
In both cases, it's a hint of style and/or class that people can actually afford. That's what makes something popular (in the truest sense of the word), does it not?
While you did not mention trendy it is a word that came to my mind. In our first new home, we actually ordered yellow appliances and shag carpeting....LOL
I have often said if one becomes successful there are 3 ecomomic stages:
1st. One can afford only the basics so cost plays the major role. The $12.00 Chicken Pot Pie at Whole foods is out of their reach but the $4.99 one at WalMart will fill me up
2nd. One can afford the best. Cost plays a minor role. They do not eat Chicken Pot Pies
3rd. One can still afford better/best but they then look for value for the dollar. Cost becomes a factor, but not the deciding factor. The $12.00 Chicken Pot Pie at Whole Foods is the best.
I hope/wish all go thru the 3 stages. If so, I may well see you at both WalMart (not for their Chicken Pot Pie) and Whole foods (for their Chicken Pot Pie) in the same day....LOL
Last edited by accufitgolf; 07-08-2011 at 05:37 PM..
People (myself included) like Trader Joe's because you can get the sort of thing you'd pay 8 dollars for at Whole Foods or 7 dollars for at Publix for 3 dollars. It's not much more complicated than that.
Err... my last trip to TJ's cost me $27 just for items to make burritos for myself. Every trip there has been similar. I like Trader Joe's for a number of reasons, but cost savings isn't one of them.
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