YOU’VE undoubtedly heard of Ikea but you might not know about one particular area where you can get huge discounts.
The Swedish retailer is the perfect one stop shop for cheap, easy-to-assemble furniture and of course tasty meatballs.
1
But there’s one secret spot where you can save even more money and you’ve probably never even heard of it.
The “Circular Hub” is well worth a visit in your local store, according to Andrew Busby, retail expert and founder of consultancy firm Retail Reflections.
You’ll find them in all UK Ikea branches, usually by the tills, and shoppers can pick up ex-display or slightly damaged items at knock down prices.
One shopper recently posted a snap on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook group of a pair of blinds they found for £3.20 instead of £5.
Read more in Retail
Another found a coffee table worth £200 for £60 – a whopping 70% discount.
And one nabbed a set of six door blinds for £1.29 each instead of £69 – a giant 98% discount per blind.
Of course, the level of discount varies based on when and where you head, but either way it’s worth a visit.
Andrew explained: “The discount is worked out on a case-by-case basis.
Most read in Money
“But it’s so products don’t go into recycling, landfill or a charity shop and people get something back from it.”
The Circular Hub isn’t just in-store – you can also search for items online and reserve them to collect at your local branch too.
But you can only reserve up to six items at one time and if you don’t pick up a product within 48 hours you’ll lose it.
Ikea’s usual rules on returning or cancelling items apply – this means you can still bring back most items within 365 days of purchase and get a full refund, upon showing your receipt.
Even if you can’t find your physical receipt, Ikea staff should be able to help you locate your digital one.
The Circular Hub is also where you can trade in old Ikea furniture for store credit through the retailer’s buyback scheme.
You can sell back items like bookcases, cabinets, chest of drawers and small tables at any of its stores.
But you won’t be able to use the scheme for things like sofas or armchairs, and items containing glass and beds.
The items also have to be fully assembled with no missing parts, and clean and unmodified, otherwise they won’t be accepted.
The full list of accepted products is on the retailer’s website, as well as a tool to estimate how much store credit you could get for a product.
For example, if you return a Billy bookcase that’s like new you could get £40. But even a well used one with scratches can nab you £24, though the exact amount will depend on an inspection when you return it to store.
You’ll need to do that within 30 days, then you’ll be handed a refund card with the amount which you can then spend in-store or online.
There’s no time limit to spend the refund card but you can’t use it in Ikea’s bistros, restaurants or Swedish Food Markets.
Crucially, you will need to be an Ikea loyalty card member to access both the Circular Hub and buyback scheme though.
But it’s easy to sign up for the Ikea Family card for free online.
The Circular Hub isn’t the only place to save you money on your next visit. Here are Andrew’s other top tips.
Key shopping dates for your diary
If you’re looking ahead to Christmas, you might be wondering when the best time is to shop for presents, or even something for your own home.
And Andrew said half way through December is prime time for a visit.
“Look out for the summer and winter sales,” Andrew said.
“The winter sale usually begins mid-December and all sorts of items, including furniture, are up to 50% off.
“The summer sale is usually in July, when you can get up to 50% discounts too.”
He added: “Keep a check on whatever product you want.
“If you’re in the market for a bed, keep checking if a particular one is going on sale, and the same for other items.”
Remember, you can find your nearest Ikea store by using the retailer’s locator tool on its website.
‘No brainer’ discount card
Make sure you take out an Ikea Family Card, the retailer’s loyalty scheme.
Not only does it give you access to the Circular Hub, it offers you exclusive discounts on certain products.
At the time of writing, members could buy a Tarno table and chair set for £54.50 instead of £109 – a 50% discount.
There was also 15% off on selected throws, lanterns and living room furniture.
Family Card members can also nab free tea and coffee on weekdays and sign up to workshops and events for free.
Andrew said: “Take out the Ikea Family Card – it’s free. It’s kind of a no brainer.”
Avoid tricks that make you spend more
Ikea’s maze-like layout is designed to encourage shoppers to impulse buy, so make sure you go with a plan.
Not only that, but most stores have shortcuts where you can bypass certain sections and avoid traipsing through the entire branch.
Andrew said: “Ikea stores are veritable Aladdin’s caves so it pays to have a particular item or items in mind if you’re planning on spending.
“Go with a plan because otherwise you’re going to have a trolley full of stuff you don’t need.
“Take advantage of the many shortcuts in store too, in order to minimise the temptation of those impulse buys.”
Time your visit right
Most people tend to spend between 90 minutes and three hours on a typical Ikea visit.
But it’s worth timing any trip to make the most of the retailer’s cheap food prices.
You can pick up breakfast deals from just £1 and lunch deals from £2.
For the whole of October the retailer is offering customers a cinnamon bun and hot drink for just 45p too.
Read More on The Sun
Andrew said: “The distance that people travel to Ikea is huge, so you might as well match it up with a meal.
“With those sorts of prices it represents good value.”
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
