IKEA is coming to Lee County, with plans to build a store and file permits soon, signaling growth and investment opportunities for the region.
The IKEA effect is considered a significant development, even for those not in the market for furniture. Experts say this move will signal to corporations, banks, manufacturers, and other retailers that Lee County is growing and is a good investment for the future.
Abbey DiStefano, owner of Vivie Boutique on McGregor Boulevard, said, "I mean, the more shopping you can get in the area, the better. Like, I love to have another shop in this place, it just brings people in."
Her customers are always looking for more shopping options, and she finds it exciting for small business owners because it means more people and businesses moving to the area.
Experts describe the IKEA effect as an "economic indicator," meaning that when the global company targets a market, the future is bright, and others will follow.
Commercial realtor Gary Tasman, who heads up business issues for the Horizon Council, a public-private partnership, said, "The update we just got from the Census Bureau is indicating that we grew faster than had been projected. Twelve percent and a half percent growth in 5 years is one of the fastest-growing medium-sized regions in the country."
Tasman predicts Lee County will reach a population of one million within the next year, signaling to high-end and destination retailers that the area has arrived.
"It's kind of like the steakhouse effect ... when one comes, they all come and are going to see that. I think we will see a Neiman Marcus in the future, Bloomingdale's, the Restoration Hardware is going to take a big run in this area, and others that will come along," Tasman said.
When retailers with a cult-like following like IKEA and Trader Joe's open up, it makes the area attractive to more than just the shopper. Tasman expects more entertainment, festivals, and big-name acts to come to the area.
The Savannah Bananas' recent sell-out games at JetBlue Park are an early indication of what's to come. Arthrex is building a facility the size of 20 football fields on Daniels Parkway, and Tasman says to expect other businesses to follow.
Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman discussed the county's growth management, saying, "We plan out roads for five years, we are building as many as we have money to build, we build out water plants, sewer plants, the EMS stations."
Hamman mentioned Amazon's plans to build a massive robotic distribution center on State Road 82, emphasizing the region's appeal for development.
"We live in a beautiful country known as the United States of America, and our founding fathers gave us the right to own property and develop it, and they didn't give the government any authority to stop people from moving to Florida," Hamman said.
Tasman said the IKEA effect is likely to bring in more people, global companies, and small businesses like DiStefano's.
DiStefano added, "So you didn't have to travel to Tampa, you don't have to go to Miami. You can keep it all in Fort Myers. It's great! Going to be huge."
The IKEA store in Lee County is expected to be a prototype with a smaller footprint than traditional stores.
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