September News Roundup

IKEA impact

With the imminent arrival of Ikea in December to Northern Ireland, furniture.ie wonders how this will impact upon the local furniture trade. Commenting from his Belfast city-centre shop in Great Victoria Street, owner Michael McCartney comments, 'as a boutique furniture shop, our unique ranges vary greatly from the mass-produced flat pack Ikea stock. However, what all local retailers should realise is that Ikea's arrival is sure to take shoppers off the high street for a time. The browsing public will be lured out of the city centre for a honeymoon period. However, this is at a curiosity level and those people who prefer quality-built furniture with classic design flair will continue to shop in White Line Boutique and the other quality independents in and around Belfast.' White Line Boutique, 108-110 Great Victoria Street, Belfast. T: 028 90311155.

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Home Store + More

With two 20,000 sqft premises in Tallaght and Swords, Dublin, Home Store + More has pioneered – what Managing Director Jonathan Stanley describes as 'a niche in the Irish market' – comprehensive homeware retailing within out-of-town units. 'From studying successful business models in the UK and America, it was clear that this formula would work in Ireland.'

Home Store + More have scheduled a rollout programme that will hope to secure their position as the homeware leader in Ireland. Unwilling, at this stage, to give specifics about locations and schedules, Stanley does commit to saying there will be four stores opened per year.
www.homestoreandmore.ie.

Minnie Peters

While there is only one branch at present, Minnie Peters, Dublin, is considering others in the future. Although specific locations are kept under wraps, this home couture outlet has a soft spot for the north (where Miriam hails from). 'It could happen,' she says. 'There's definitely a turn around in the furniture world throughout Ireland and resurgence in the North. People are tired of going to faceless large stores and are turning back to small independents that can offer a more personal service.'
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Appeal Blinds

An Irish-owned company, Appeal Blinds has specialised in providing blinds for conservatories and sun-rooms for over 20 years. Pioneering distribution throughout Ireland, Owner and MD Michael Madigan has now built up a network of designers and installers. Recently launched, the new Solar R and Alu-Pleat blinds reduce the heating and air conditioning energy required, thereby helping to make your conservatory or sun-room 'green'.
www.appealblinds.com.

Italy Design

As Belfast continues to develop and expand, one local furniture retailer tells furniture.ie of his own personal input. Owner of Italy Design (and Bed World), Dominic McKeating's Nelson Street retail property is set to expand. 'We have great plans for the furniture shop and its location - the Italian Quarter,' he states. 'The showroom will grow from 6,000 to 15,000 square feet. Plans are in place for seventy apartments and further retail units.' Watch this space for further news.
www.italydesign.co.uk.

* Please note: Furniture.ie is not authorised to represent, approved or endorsed by IKEA and is not associated with IKEA.