IKEA is a Swedish multinational corporation that manufactures and distributes ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories. Since at least 2008, it has been the global furniture store. It was created in 1943 in Sweden by the then-17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad, who was named by Forbes in 2015 as one of the world’s ten wealthiest persons, with more than $40 billion.
The name of the firm is an acronym made up of the initials of Ingvar Kamprad (the founder’s name), Elmtaryd (the farmland where he grew up), and Agunnaryd (his hometown in Smaland, southern Sweden). Now the question is “Is Ikea coming to Alabama Birmingham?”
Is IKEA planning to come to Alabama Birmingham?
IKEA takes pleasure in providing high-quality home items to millions of consumers throughout the United States. With over 52 shops in the United States, IKEA can meet almost any home requirement in the country.
No, IKEA has no efforts to establish a shop in Alabama or the neighboring areas in 2022, particularly Montgomery and Birmingham. IKEA often opens shops in cities with more than 2 million people. Because Birmingham (population 212,000) is Alabama’s largest metropolis, it makes little economic sense for IKEA to construct a shop there.
Why did IKEA take this decision?
Initially, IKEA had acquired land to open stores in Alabama, but after not getting enough positive response, it decided to halt its operations there. As said before, IKEA prefers to establish shops in locations with a population of more than 2 million people inside a 40 to 60-mile range of the store. This is done so that IKEA can assure that its commercial ventures will generate a sufficient return and prove to be a worthwhile investment. Alabama presently does not have an appealing population for IKEA. Thus, it could be some time until a shop is established in the state.
What is the alternative?
Inhabitants of Alabama who want to visit IKEA stores have a greater chance than residents of areas such as Montana. The closest IKEA shops to Alabama are Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. The nearest IKEA shop is in Atlanta, Georgia, about three hours away. This is a long journey, so make sure you’re entirely convinced to want to go before you go. From Alabama, going to Jacksonville, Florida, might take around 6 hours by road. As a result, your alternatives are severely constrained.
IKEA makes every attempt to bring to as many of its clients as possible worldwide. So, even if there isn’t an IKEA shop near you, you could still get products shipped to you. The cost of IKEA delivery varies based on the number of products and their sizes, the method of delivery, and the total distance from the processing facility to your home. You may also be able to discover local and freelance delivery men and delivery firms prepared to collect it and deliver your IKEA purchase.
Purchasing Online
Their online store is a massive hit among customers whose area doesn’t have an IKEA. This is how you can order from IKEA if you don’t have a store where you live:
- Verify your eligibility – If you reside in a country where IKEA operates, please visit ikea.com for updates and information on local stock availability. Write an email to their International Sales Department stating your location and expected purchase size, and they will let you know whether we can help.
- Select your goods – All of the items featured on IKEA.nl may be ordered. Set up an IKEA family account before making a shopping list. When you’re finished, transmit your account information to their International Sales Department to validate your shopping list.
- Get your shipping rate and timetable.
- Completing the customer form – A customer questionnaire will be emailed to you once you’ve received and approved your quotation. This comprises any practical information that will allow them to purchase.
- Confirmation and payment – They will require your final approval for everything, including the items, shipping fees, and company terms and conditions before they finalize your purchase. After you have paid, your things will be chosen, loaded, and transported to your preferred port.
Prospective IKEA Locations in Alabama
If IKEA were to construct a facility in Alabama, they would need to guarantee that it is in a position where the majority of the Alabama inhabitants can get it (most probably Birmingham) and that the region has enough room to handle a general IKEA warehouse store.
While IKEA has not announced plans to construct a shop in Alabama and has not mentioned any prospective locations, the company is investing heavily in forest management in Lowndes County, which supports many employments in the state.
Possible alternatives to IKEA
Even though IKEA has excellent prices and tons of options to choose from, it doesn’t usually last long, which can be frustrating. In a place like Alabama Birmingham, where IKEA hasn’t put down its foundations yet, residents can turn to other affordable furniture stores such as :
- Urban Outfitter
- Target
- Overstock
- JCPenny
- Walmart
Conclusion
Currently, IKEA has no plans to come to Alabama; however, the option to shop from IKEA online is always open, and one can even explore possible alternatives, as mentioned above.
