Retail expert available to discuss IKEA’s first Indiana location

November 10, 2015  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Richard Feinberg, professor and interim department head of Consumer Science at Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, is an expert in retail management, consumer behavior and consumer psychology. He can talk about the retail impact the IKEA home furnishing store will have on Indianapolis and central Indiana. The Swedish retailer announced today its first Indiana location will open in Fishers.

Possible topics Feinberg can discuss include:

* IKEA is the most sought-after BIG retailer, and the world’s largest furniture retailer.

* Attracts considerable consumer traffic from 200 miles.

* Considerable tax revenue for state and locality. IKEA sells a lot of stuff: Average store generates $90 million at 7 percent sales tax rate, which equals $6.3 million in additional tax revenue (this does not take into account a percentage of this that gets rebated to retailer for collecting the tax or any local sales taxes). Important to consider that many people go to Chicago to go to the nearest IKEA, and that loses money for Indiana. 

* Lifts the retail boat for retailers, entertainment and restaurants in the community.

* A tourist destination above and beyond its retail function. People go to IKEA not only to buy stuff, but to have an entertaining afternoon.

* A signal that Indianapolis is in the top ranks of retailing and should be a significant sign to other large retails and national retailers who have yet to consider Indianapolis as worthy of their stores.

* Surveys show IKEA is a great place to work.

Feinberg’s research focuses on retail management, consumer affairs, customer relationship management, consumer psychology, leadership strategies and consumer behavior. He has written national studies on consumer behavior and retailing and has been published in major journals.  He serves as consultant for several professional groups and has extensive experience with national print and broadcast media.

CONTACT: Richard Feinberg, 765-491-5583 or 765-494-8301, xdj1@purdue.edu  

News Service contact: John Hughey, 765-494-2432, hugheyj@purdue.edu 

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