Ikea might open a second Michigan store, but it probably won't be in Detroit

According to a report by Crain's Detroit, Ikea is scouting locations for a new store that would serve as a sister to the Swedish furniture manufacturer's
Canton Township megastore.

Crain's sources asked to remain anonymous, but they told the business mag the company is leaning toward a suburban location, probably in Macomb or Oakland County.

That means Detroit is most likely out of the running for a new location, which is not surprising as the city has been experiencing an ongoing renaissance — it just means we still have some work to do.

Back in July, Metro Times met with Stephanie Cegielski, the spokeswoman for the International Council of Shopping Centers, who was in town to get a handle on metro Detroit's shopping options.

Cegielski said one way to tell if an area is up-and-coming is based on whether or not they have an Ikea. Large companies like Ikea do extensive market research when deciding where and when to open a new location. That research is combined with other factors, like the amount of space needed to open a store, and a decision is made.

Because Detroit has ample empty space, it's likely that was not a determining factor in Ikea's choice to look outside the city for a new location.

According to Crain's sources, Ikea is scouting a 200-acre property in Chesterfield Township, but large sites like the Pontiac Silverdome, Palace of Auburn Hills, and Summit Place Mall are all possibilities as well.