FURNITURE giant Ikea, whose large-store format was behind the Government’s controversial move to scrap retail planning guidelines, is considering the development of smaller stores in Britain to meet planning laws there, it was reported at the weekend.

ARMAGEDDON has been forecast following the capitulation of the Government to let Ikea build a giant store.

The Irish Hardware and Building Materials Association (IHBMA) has predicted that Irish-owned companies will create 2,700 jobs in the hardware and DIY sector over the next 18 months.

SWEDISH furniture giant Ikea has been given the go-ahead to open its first store in the Republic after Environment Minister Dick Roche yesterday confirmed that he will lift the existing cap on superstores.

THE Irish Hardware and Building Materials Association (IHBMA) has rejected the need for changes to the cap on retail warehousing.