{"id":68005,"date":"2023-10-13T14:15:23","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T14:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rapidcelnews.com\/?p=68005"},"modified":"2023-10-13T14:15:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T14:15:23","slug":"the-secret-spot-in-ikea-i-always-tell-people-about-coffee-tables-blinds-scan-for-1-you-can-even-make-cash-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rapidcelnews.com\/lifestyle\/the-secret-spot-in-ikea-i-always-tell-people-about-coffee-tables-blinds-scan-for-1-you-can-even-make-cash-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"The 'secret spot' in Ikea I always tell people about – coffee tables & blinds scan for \u00a31 & you can even MAKE cash | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"
YOU'VE undoubtedly heard of Ikea but you might not know about one particular area where you can get huge discounts.<\/p>\n
The Swedish retailer is the perfect one stop shop for cheap, easy-to-assemble furniture and of course tasty meatballs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
But there's one secret spot where you can save even more money and you've probably never even heard of it.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
One shopper recently posted a snap on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook group of a pair of blinds they found for \u00a33.20 instead of \u00a35.<\/p>\n
Read more in Retail<\/h2>\n
<\/picture>FESTIVE FEAST <\/span><\/p>\n
Bargain supermarket crowned better than M&S for Xmas dinner – & it's not Aldi<\/h3>\n
<\/picture>HEAT HACK <\/span><\/p>\n
Shoppers rush to buy \u00a31 gadget to avoid putting the heating on & its free to run<\/h3>\n
Another found a coffee table worth \u00a3200 for \u00a360 – a whopping 70% discount.<\/p>\n
And one nabbed a set of six door blinds for \u00a31.29 each instead of \u00a369 – a giant 98% discount per blind.<\/p>\n
Of course, the level of discount varies based on when and where you head, but either way it's worth a visit.<\/p>\n
Andrew explained: "The discount is worked out on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n
Most read in Money<\/h2>\n
<\/picture>CLOSING TIME <\/span><\/p>\n
DIY chain with 153 stores to shut more shops – it sells ‘the best’ Xmas decor<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/picture>I’M LOVIN’ IT <\/span><\/p>\n
McDonald’s to make major menu change with seven new items in DAYS<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/picture>SAY WATT <\/span><\/p>\n
Millions face ANOTHER crippling energy bill hike – and reason will infuriate you<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/picture>JOB LOT <\/span><\/p>\n
The 15 most popular jobs where you could earn up to \u00a370,000 without a degree<\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n
"But it's so products don't go into recycling, landfill or a charity shop and people get something back from it."<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Even if you can't find your physical receipt, Ikea staff should be able to help you locate your digital one.<\/p>\n
The Circular Hub is also where you can trade in old Ikea furniture for store credit through the retailer's buyback scheme.<\/p>\n
You can sell back items like bookcases, cabinets, chest of drawers and small tables at any of its stores.<\/p>\n
But you won't be able to use the scheme for things like sofas or armchairs, and items containing glass and beds.<\/p>\n
The items also have to be fully assembled with no missing parts, and clean and unmodified, otherwise they won't be accepted.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For example, if you return a Billy bookcase that's like new you could get \u00a340. But even a well used one with scratches can nab you \u00a324, though the exact amount will depend on an inspection when you return it to store. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Crucially, you will need to be an Ikea loyalty card member to access both the Circular Hub and buyback scheme though.<\/p>\n
But it's easy to sign up for the Ikea Family card for free online.<\/p>\n
The Circular Hub isn't the only place to save you money on your next visit. Here are Andrew's other top tips.<\/p>\n
Key shopping dates for your diary<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
And Andrew said half way through December is prime time for a visit.<\/p>\n
"Look out for the summer and winter sales," Andrew said.<\/p>\n
"The winter sale usually begins mid-December and all sorts of items, including furniture, are up to 50% off.<\/p>\n
"The summer sale is usually in July, when you can get up to 50% discounts too."<\/p>\n
He added: "Keep a check on whatever product you want.<\/p>\n
"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."<\/p>\n
Remember, you can find your nearest Ikea store by using the retailer's locator tool on its website.<\/p>\n
'No brainer' discount card<\/h2>\n
Make sure you take out an Ikea Family Card, the retailer's loyalty scheme.<\/p>\n
Not only does it give you access to the Circular Hub, it offers you exclusive discounts on certain products.<\/p>\n
At the time of writing, members could buy a Tarno table and chair set for \u00a354.50 instead of \u00a3109 – a 50% discount.<\/p>\n
There was also 15% off on selected throws, lanterns and living room furniture.<\/p>\n
Family Card members can also nab free tea and coffee on weekdays and sign up to workshops and events for free.<\/p>\n
Andrew said: "Take out the Ikea Family Card – it's free. It's kind of a no brainer."<\/p>\n
Avoid tricks that make you spend more<\/h2>\n
Ikea's maze-like layout is designed to encourage shoppers to impulse buy, so make sure you go with a plan.<\/p>\n
Not only that, but most stores have shortcuts where you can bypass certain sections and avoid traipsing through the entire branch.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
"Go with a plan because otherwise you're going to have a trolley full of stuff you don't need.<\/p>\n
"Take advantage of the many shortcuts in store too, in order to minimise the temptation of those impulse buys."<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Time your visit right<\/h2>\n
Most people tend to spend between 90 minutes and three hours on a typical Ikea visit.<\/p>\n
But it's worth timing any trip to make the most of the retailer's cheap food prices.<\/p>\n
You can pick up breakfast deals from just \u00a31 and lunch deals from \u00a32.<\/p>\n
For the whole of October the retailer is offering customers a cinnamon bun and hot drink for just 45p too.<\/p>\n
Read More on The Sun<\/h2>\n
<\/picture>INVISIBLE HAZARD <\/span><\/p>\n
Last pic of toddler on balcony shows hidden danger before deadly plunge<\/h3>\n
<\/picture>first time around <\/span><\/p>\n
Big Brother in huge format shake-up that will shock viewers<\/h3>\n
Andrew said: "The distance that people travel to Ikea is huge, so you might as well match it up with a meal.<\/p>\n
"With those sorts of prices it represents good value."<\/p>\n
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing\u00a0money-sm@news.co.uk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group\u00a0members.<\/strong><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Cutout-portrait-1.png\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/KH_10_10_XMAS_TASTE_TEST_COMP.jpg\")
<\/picture>FESTIVE FEAST <\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/newspress-collage-24335980-1696844017003.jpg\")
<\/picture>HEAT HACK <\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/beab8b-customers-shopping-focus-diy-328510.jpg\")
<\/picture>CLOSING TIME <\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/en6pp9-mcdonalds-restaurant-sign-outside-628952078.jpg\")
<\/picture>I’M LOVIN’ IT <\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/close-up-flames-gas-hob-790626387-1.jpg\")
<\/picture>SAY WATT <\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/KH_11_0_JOB_COMP.jpg\")
<\/picture>JOB LOT <\/span><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/newspress-collage-24385581-1697130173053.jpg\")
<\/picture>![](\"https:\/\/www.thesun.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/paul-tom-jenkin-matthew-zak-850956199-3.jpg\")
<\/picture>