West Chester IKEA announces opening date
Ikea holds job fair next week
COMMENT: What excites you about the new IKEA?
MORE: View construction photos
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Swedish home furnishings retailer IKEA announced today that its West Chester Twp. retail store will open 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
Company spokesman Joseph Roth said the announcement brings with it a sense of relief.
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"We now have certainty," he said. "It means we are now in control of our destiny. We have it down to a science, and everything will go according to plan and our schedule."
The store will be the Swedish company's first store and restaurant destination in Ohio, its sixth in the Midwest, and its 34th in the United States.
"It's a wonderful day," said Middletown resident Jen Segrest, founder of IKEA fan Web site Ohikea.com. Her Web site has been hosting a contest for store fans to guess the opening date, and she said site posts today have been overwhelmingly happy.
"Everyone who has been commenting has been overjoyed," she said.
IKEA announced plans to build the 344,000-square-foot retail center in August 2006. Construction began in 2007, after West Chester Twp, Butler County and IKEA agreed to a partnership that split the estimated $2 million cost of infrastructure improvements around the site at the intersection of Muhlhauser and Allen roads. A ground breaking ceremony took place May 8.
The future IKEA West Chester is located on 28 acres of a 56- acre parcel along Interstate 75 at the southeastern corner of Allen and Muhlhauser roads, south of the Union Centre Boulevard exit.
IKEA West Chester will present 10,000 exclusively-designed items, 48 room settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children's play area, and a 350-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries or salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Features include a 'Children's IKEA' area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas in the store.
"We made excellent progress on construction in the summer and fall, so we are confident the remaining construction milestones and interior build-up process will be complete by March," noted Lonnie Rodgers II, store manager of the future IKEA location. Roth agreed.
"I wouldn't say (construction) went smoother than average. I'd say our average is smooth, Rodgers said. "Now our primary objective is to continue hiring and training the nearly 400 local hires who will be joining the IKEA coworker family before we open."
Ikea officials initially reported last year that the new store would create 400 jobs. Roth said a job fair to fill the estimated 200 openings still left at the store is scheduled for Jan. 18 at Butler Tech. Interested applicants must be 16 or older, and college education is preferred, but not required.
Roth said that open positions include jobs in food service, customer service, logistics and sales. He added that managerial positions at the store have already been filled with candidates from the initial round of interviews in September.
Roth said that March 12 will be commemorated with speeches from IKEA leaders and local officials, as well as a traditional Swedish "log sawing" to open the doors.
"According to Swedish custom, it brings good luck to the home and its future guests," he said.
Roth added that store fans will be allowed to camp out in line for the 48 hours prior to the 9 a.m. opening.
"I'm going to be number one in line if I have the chance," said Segrest.
"Typically by the time the doors open at 9 a.m. we have several hundred to several thousand there," said Roth.
More information on IKEA West Chester's job positions still open are available at ikea-usa.com.
Comments
By Janice
March 12, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
People were standing outside of IKEA holding Swedish flags this morning… Imagine if a new WalMart opened and people stood outside holding Chinese flags… Or a new US auto dealership opened and people stood outside holding Mexican flags… Americans are not very bright.
By justaregulargal
March 12, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
I guess I can’t understand why some people’s comments are filled with such anger! Its just a store, a store that brought jobs to the area and is stimulating economic growth through retail sales. If you are so angry that there’s no union or that the product line comes from Sweden, then don’t shop there. I intend to check it out. Chill out….its just retail….get over yourselves.
By justaregulargal
March 12, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
I guess I can’t understand why some people’s comments are filled with such anger! Its just a store, a store that brought jobs to the area and is stimulating economic growth through retail sales. If you are so angry that there’s no union or that the product line comes from Sweden, then don’t shop there. I intend to check it out. Chill out….its just retail….get over yourselves.
By Karpis
March 12, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Who cares?
By Scott
March 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Ikea is a Swedish Wal-Mart. What is the big deal? Just another company selling goods from foreign countries.
By painfultruth
March 12, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
The DDN and national media tell us that everyone is out of work, the economy is bad and high gas prices are forcing people to stay home. How do they explain the IKEA crowds? These people evidently can afford to drive to a store and make a purchase? How DARE they go against public opinion?
By Ike Heeha
March 12, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Never before have I seen so many broke people congregated in one place to buy particle board items that you would be able to buy 24 hours later. It’snot amazing that people love the store, but rather that these people would sleep outdoors, like homeless people, due to the fact that there is nothing of signifigance going on in their lives.
By Marie - Liberty Twp
March 12, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Glad the store is in the area.
Not so sure about the traffic yet. Happy it will increase shoppers to the Union Centre area. I definitely think its positive growth for West Chester.
By mike
March 12, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
what is the big deal? this is not even local. With gas as high as it is to drive all that way to save a few dollars is a waste. buy & spend on our local stores keep them open in our area.
By Resident
March 12, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
who gives a crap
By nyc
March 12, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
we are all incredibily SICK and TIRED of hearing about this overpriced yuppy store. wake up DDN over 4000 soldiers are dead in the Iraq war and the country is in a recession stop the diversions and get back down to some real journalism!!!
By Hunter
March 12, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
My GF and I have a lot of their stuff. We are both larger framed people. It supports us well but we have had issues with some of their beds. I also don’t like people comenting on China in a negative way. I have visited there and it is NOT BAD. The 2008 Olympics are going to be there and all eyes are on the country…you will be very happy!
By no union
March 12, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
So will the unions run TV ad’s tell you not to shop there? As job are ship over seas the sheep here run to another non-US place to shop and spend their money.
By Really Lost
March 12, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
I read the directions in the Hamilton Urinal and ended up in three different locations.
By commonsensegal
January 12, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Dear Ed, you seem to be very aggressive and stressed out. Perhaps you should motor down to IKEA and buy some items for your living environment that are a bit more soothing than what you have in there now. Seriously, chill out buddy, you’re the one sounding like Springfield trash. Have a nice day!
By ed
January 11, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
All I can say is that you people have some real CRAP and CHEAP ASSED JUNK if you furnish your homes with this IKEA stuff. I guess you probably love Wal-Mart also. That’s typical Springfield low class trash for you. Quit supporting China!!
By Val
January 11, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t finished. :-) What other retail store will entertain your children while you shop? Artists and designers collect their catalogs they are so well designed. This store isn’t just for college students. If you’ve never seen an IKEA store; it will knock your socks off! In a good way. I can’t be more thrilled. The five hour drive to Pennsylvania during our yearly pilgrimmage to IKEA was becoming a real drain. What the swedish word for Yeah!
By Val
January 11, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Very well designed furniture at a good price. Excellent quality and exciting design. Not all the furniture is cheap. We purchased a $600 table at the Pennsylvania IKEA five years ago. It is still solid as a rock even after our enduring our toddlers. Interesting european ideas in kitchen design. Wonderful whimsical children’s toys and furnishings. Also introducing Lingonberry tea - most excellent!
By wheres the shame
January 11, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Im glad IKEA is coming it will take some of the pressure off Goodwill, LOL!
By JohnnieB.Goode
January 11, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
If all of you are so excited over IKEA, what will you do if Neimann Marcus opens a store? Wet your pants?
By George
January 11, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
SneakyPete, What does a Swiss Army Knife that has origins from Switzerland have to do with Swedish furniture that has origins from Sweden? Are you attempting to make a statement about Chinese products? Go look on your globe first and find out the difference, then come back and say something.
By Bucknut
January 11, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Regarding age- untrue. My daughter who had about 2.5 years of college, got a nice position. The interview process was fabulous, respectful, energetic, and colloborative. Several “older” women (40-50) were interviewed and had jobs. Each potential employee paired with an Ikea manager, greeted, and walked out with. I saw every one who was offered a job hugging the Ikea manager. The spirit is great there. You couldn’t go to Big Lots and find a better deal on contemporary furnishing. No,better deal!
By Dorothy
January 11, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
I love the IKEA store. I went to one in Dallas, Tx and items are great and at a really good price. I will have no problem going there from Springfield. Hope it goes so well that we get a few more around here. What great ideas they have for small places.
By sneakypete
January 11, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know if they will be carrying Swiss Army Knives?? My Chinese made Swiss Army knife wore out.
By Carol
January 11, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I will not be shopping at IKEA. I applied for a position there and because of my age, they wanted me to be a greeter at the door! They want all young people so they can mold them and pay cheap labor.
By Robb
January 11, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Wow. Ikea PR (jen from OHIKEA) is really tracking this story. Interesting.
By jen from OHIKEA.COM
January 11, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Actually Robb, most of thier things are NOT made in third world countries. Do you consider europe to be third world? Most thigns are made there, with US and Canada also n the mix.
By jen from OHIKEA.COM
January 11, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
IKEA has many things made in the US, many other things are NOT made here. They are an international company with merely 34 or so US stores, why should EVERYTHING be made here?
They support small factories all over the world, and ave been noted many times of saving a good many of them buy picking htem to manfacture something or even design product for that factory specifically to build.
Sometimes a single product will have parts from mulitple places if that gets it made cheaper.
By Sam
January 11, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Near Dayton? Somebody better check their maps. West Chester is just a few miles north of Cincinnati!
By VOR
January 11, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Oh - and if you REALLY want a job at IKEA - Don’t take the Journal/Pulse-Journal to get their facts right!
The big message board right in front of Butler Tech AS WELL AS this add placed by IKEA says the job fair is THIS WEEKEND, JANUARY 12!!!
http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/sphv3ukj5a/retail-restaurant-jobs/
By calumetman
January 11, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
My Chicago home is totally IKEA from the suburban Shaumburg store 15 miles away. I love the layout and the online features. I go as often as I can when I’m in the city, but I’d love it more if it were closer to Springfield. It’s hard to get excited about a 62 mile drive. Springfield, Ohio is a whole different animal than Chicagoland. With nothing accessible this IKEA only means more of the same for this town.
By VOR
January 11, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Um…Robb… take a look at all the labels on your clothing, your shoes, that iPod, your TV… we ALL support those practices because that’s what most American’s care about - reasonable quality as cheap as we can buy it. If they cared about who made it, where and how, we still have a ton of manufacturing jobs in the U.S.. Look in the mirror before you point fingers.
By Robb
January 11, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Based upon all of the comments posted, these people are expressing love for a corporation that is selling cheap home furnishings which are made by exploiting third-world workers.
By Po
January 11, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I furnished my first apartment in England with Ikea. They have awesome cabinets and shelving. I will be waiting till March to choose some new pieces. I love the fresh, contemporary feel.
By Lakota Parent
January 11, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
I am excited to get an IKEA store. I’ve checked out their website and they have some really cool stuff. I need a new desk so I’m waiting until it opens to get it!
By Janice
January 11, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
I really like IKEA but as someone who commutes between Dayton and Cincinnati, I can’t stand the thought of more traffic on 75…
Quit repeating yourself Scott.
By Lee
January 11, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
YAY!!!! I can’t wait - so much stuff you don’t even know you need at great prices! If you like Crate and Barrel - this is even better.
By Susan
January 11, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
Wonderful for the people in OHIO….My son loved going to IKEA at White Marsh and getting a variety of IKEA great things for his college house-Miami U….and loved the hrs. to put the pieces together!!!! The store was so organized and process went smoothly. Sounds like a fabulous location!!
By KARON3000
January 11, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
HIGH SPEED TRAINS ARE COMING TO OHIO! CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE ALLABOARDOHIO.COM THEN CLICK ON CURRENT CAMPAIGNS THEN YOU WILL SEE OHIOHUBPLAN!
By Frylock
January 10, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Oh, I forgot… did you hear the one about the guy who’s daughter shops at the one in Chicago? Scroll down.
By Frylock
January 10, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
I wonder if their crap is made in China. If we only had light rail to shuttle us there…. Karon?
By JGL
January 10, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
The wife and I always get stuff from IKEA whenever we are in the Philly area. We have a kitchen table, chairs, glasses, lighting, and accessories from IKEA. After we introduced them to IKEA, family members were hooked! Count on us being there on 3/12 — we have a whole living room that needs redecorating!!!
By RAY
January 10, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
The DC (Potomac Mills, VA) IKEA opened in 1986, while I was living in Virginia. We still have the entertainment center that was purchased from the Potomac Mills store. It will be great to have IKEA close to Dayton.
By Scott Blount
January 10, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
My daughter shops at the one in Chicago when she sees her sister-in-law. She can’t say enough good things about it. When she found out that the West Chester store was being built less than 2 miles from her - she almost went crazy. I just want to say a personal thanks to IKEA for bringing their store here to West Chester. I am excited to see what all the excitement is all about for myself.
By Scott
January 10, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
My daughter shops at the one in Chicago when she sees her sister-in-law. She can’t say enough good things about it. When she found out that the West Chester store was being built less than 2 miles from her - she almost went crazy. I just want to say a personal thanks to IKEA for bringing their store here to West Chester. I am excited to see what all the excitement is all about for myself.
By Scott
January 10, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
My daughter shops at the one in Chicago when she sees her sister-in-law. She can’t say enough good things about it. When she found out that the West Chester store was being built less than 2 miles from her - she almost went crazy. I just want to say a personal thanks to IKEA for bringing their store here to West Chester. I am excited to see what all the excitement is all about for myself.
By Scott
January 10, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
My daughter shops at the one in Chicago when she sees her sister-in-law. She can’t say enough good things about it. When she found out that the West Chester store was being built less than 2 miles from her - she almost went crazy. I just want to say a personal thanks to IKEA for bringing their store here to West Chester. I am excited to see what all the excitement is all about for myself.
By Carol
January 10, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Being half Swedish, I’ve gotta love IKEA….and I do. The colors, the contemporary lines…and the decent prices! We also lived near the DC area store for a few years prior to moving back to the Dayton area…and I have been pouting about the lack of an IKEA ever since. I can hardly wait for opening day!
By V.Parker
January 10, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Cant wait! Lived in DC and had a wonderful new IKEA at my back door!Im Living in Huntsville,AL.now and you can bet Ill make the 8 hour trip to Ohio! The Market is Hot here is Huntsville, IKEA really should spend some time pursuing a Location here. Lots of transplants coming here from the DC area within the next two years!Atlanta`s IKEA is not an option!
By IKEA Lover
January 10, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
I love Ikea. Finally, I don’t have to shop in Chicago anymore and worry about fitting everything into my car. Ikea is perfect for college students with apartments, or young couples! I wouldn’t furnish my whole house with Ikea furniture but I can get great items like office equipment, shelving, kitchen tools, comforter covers, textiles, kids furniture, and best of all swedish meatballs : ) Maybe I’ll even remodel the kitchen this year. See ya opening weekend!
By Martie
January 10, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
No more will my daughter in Chicago have to keep me supplied with lingnonberry jam. Have shopped IKEA in Europe, Chicago, CT and Pittsburg. To have one just 30 minutes away will be WONDERFUL!
By Holmes
January 10, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
The closest IKEA to Dayton is about 200 miles straight up I-75 (in Canton, Michigan). I just drove up there about 3 weeks ago because I really wanted to see an IKEA store in person. Very interesting and impressive store. I will absolutely go to the West Chester location when it opens up.
By Josh
January 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
IKEA is alright. My GF and I bought a bed there when we moved to Phoenix, Az; it lasted only about 2 months when we broke it “baby making”. The IKEA experience is better then the furniture they sell. Some of the glassware and other accessories are good deals.
By Bosborne@cbccts.0rg
January 10, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Yipee!!!! Only 45 minutes from Dayton - I am excited - no more shipping costs to shop at IKEA!!! Horray!!!!!!!
By Donna
January 10, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Love it, love it, love it. Finally a store with everything you could want or need. Hoorah!!
By The Snave
January 10, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Woo hoo! While it will only cut 45 minutes off my drive, at least I will get to go to a brand-spanking-new, larger and considerably nicer store than the one in the burgh. Bring on the Manager’s special. I want my meatballs now, but I guess I can wait until March. ;)
By Rick
January 10, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
I’m so glad we will now have an Ikea close to home. It’s all that my wife can think about. No more trips to Chicago and Pittsburg…..YIPPEEEEEE. :)
By commonsensegal
January 10, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Finally!! We started shoping at IKEA when we lived in Europe and it will be so nice not to drive to MI or PA when we need to make a run. I love the European flavor or IKEA!
By Boomershine
January 10, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Finally a store in our area. I love shopping Ikea when I am in Tempe AZ and have long awaited your locating near my home in Springboro, Oh. Looking forward to your opening with excitement to share your fabulous store with friends and family.
By Nicole
January 10, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Does anyone have a good contact number for IKEA? I cant seem to find anything.
By Bob
January 10, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
I am looking forward to the modern designs of IKEA. Their vast selection of pieces will work in any home. This addition will only enhance SW Ohio and provide its customers with many wonderful options of home decorating not readily available until now. I can’t wait!
By Susan
January 10, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Once you go, you know why this place is awesome! I’m excited that I won’t have to plan to go while on vacations to other IKEAs. Also - I heard that this store is much bigger thank Pittsburgh! Bring on the lingonberry juice!
By Jordan
January 10, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Remodelling a kitchen in 2008… finding some awesome cabinets at a great price. Spending a Saturday exploring the pre-made room settings, new furnishings, and eating a trademark delicious Swedish meal! And of course, its less than an hour drive now, where it was 3 hours to the Canton Michigan location before. I’m 27 and love modern design. Ikea has a lot of well designed modern furniture that I can actually afford… there’s nothing else like it!
By Resident
January 10, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I wish we could see announcements like this for the Springfield area. I don’t think the local gov’t is really promoting the area to well for new business. Look at the Beavercreek & Huber Heights areas expecially near the interstates. Maybe their gov’t officials can school ours on how it’s done.