First there was the Kate Middleton Effect, then there was the Meghan Markle effect, now two new shopping icons have started dictating our spending patterns – Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch (aka Sophie Hinchcliffe).
It seems Stacey and Sophie’s recent trips to IKEA have caused the homes superstore to actually sell out of the products they’ve been displaying on their Instagram stories. Let’s remember that this is the shop that manages to stock enough items basically provide multiple generations with all the Billy shelves and tumblers they need year in, year out…
Over the weekend, a fan of Stacey’s messaged her (and the Loose Women star then reposted) saying: ‘I just asked in IKEA for some storage things I want and she said, ‘No all sold out thanks to Miss Solomon’. Don’t know what made her think that’s was asking @staceysolomon’
Well, we presume they think that because it’s not the first time it’s happened. Beyond the anecdotal evidence of Stacey’s fans, we contacted IKEA, who confirmed that all their stores and website had sold out of these container holders and fans were also causing a raid on many of their storage items.
Stacey used the products to create sneaky extra storage in her craft cupboard last month, using the £2.50 brackets to create an extra 'draw' underneath her shelves, and the hack seems to have been a massive hit with all her fans.
While Mrs Hinch was the woman who got everyone obsessed with cleaning, Stacey has gained notoriety this year as the Queen of Organisation. Her millions of followers began copying her ‘tap to tidy’ posts, where she takes a picture of the room before and after tidying, then posts them next to each other on Instagram Stories.
In recent weeks, her tidying obsession seems to have stepped up (she recently made headlines everywhere for hanging her crisps up on tension rods), and she has posted from IKEA several times, buying mainly glass jars, then labelling them at home with everything from ‘fabric softener’ to ‘batteries’.
Stacey and Mrs Hinch even instagrammed a recent trip to IKEA where the former X Factor star climbed up on displays to get the jars that she wanted.
Agnieszka Lachowicz, Home Furnishing Business Leader at IKEA UK and Ireland, confirmed that Stacey’s love of the store’s storage items has seen a boom in purchases.
‘We’re thrilled to see that Stacey Solomon and Mrs Hinch love our IKEA 365+ food storage range, which is a big hit with our customers,’ she said. ‘Our variety of airtight food containers are perfect for storing everything from ingredients to leftovers for lunch. Many are transparent so you can see what's inside and never run out of biscuits or forget about the salad in the fridge!’
Why have we suddenly got a craving for meatballs…?
Shoe Storage Ideas - Grazia
IKEA, SKUBB Shoe box, £8
Another IKEA beauty, at £8 a box this could be a pricey option depending on how many shoes you have, but they'll be safe from dust and you can stack them in their own little boxes.
Dunelm, Lucy Cane Cream Storage Bench, £169
Doubling up as extra seating, this storage ottoman bench is a great option for hallways or even to sit at the end of your bed.
MADE, Tulma Shoe Storage, Black Wood Effect, £335
MADE.com have a whole series of chic shoe storage options that disguise themselves as stylish pieces of furniture.
Cotswold Company, Chester Dove Grey Large Shoe Cupboard, £465
This nifty unit conceals your shoes so no one will ever know what lurks beneath the chic facade, PLUS you can put a cup of tea on top.
Oliver Bonas, Luciana Gold Metal Shoe Rack, £185
A shoe rack doesn't hold much, but works great for those few pairs you want to keep within reach of the front door - you know, like your bin shoes...
Matalan, Spot Print Hanging Shoe Organiser, £12
If you only have a super small section of your wardrobe for shoes, then this slim Matalan hanging unit might be just the thing for you - and it's one of the cheaper options at just £12.
Storage Maker, Shoe Storage Rack, £134.70
This Shoe Storage Rack Kit is ideal for walk-in wardrobes, closets and for utilising small corners. This kit consists of 7 Shoe Shelves and a handy shelf.
MADE, Romer Hallway Bench, Gunmetal, £385
Check out the aged gunmetal finish and curved silhouette on this bench. Plus, there's plenty of storage space inside. It'll give any hallway a welcoming feel.
Cox & Cox, Six Pair Metal Boot Rack, £150
Perfect for storing wellies and walking boots, this simple boot rack features space for six pairs, with six tall spokes at the back for longer styles.
IKEA, Hemnes Shoe cabinet with 2 compartments, white, £99
A classic, but for a good reason! The IKEA Hemnes cabinet is super slimline which makes it perfect for extra storage in a narrow corridor or porch.
LaRedoute, Waska Cane Chest, £175
Trunks shouldn't just be reserved for toys and blankets, they're a great way to conceal shoes and look great in any room for easy access.
Amazon, Relaxdays Door Shoe Shelf, 12 Pairs, £30.61
Opposed to otherwise cumbersome wardrobe and cabinets, this lightweight organiser can be easily taken from A to B and relocated. With this door rack, you can store up to 12 pairs of shoes in reach.
Garden Trading, Welly Store, £230
Keep your wellies and boots stored neatly beside your back door with the Moreton Welly Store. With enough space for 3 to 4 pairs of boots, depending on size, it's ideal for keeping muddy footwear together ready for their next outing.
Cox & Cox, Wire Shoe Rack, £295
A contemporary shoe storage solution for the home, one that will add an industrial tone to your space.
Cotswold Company, Chester Dove Grey Large Shoe Storage Trunk and Bench, £395
There is no denying what this charming country inspired bench is for - boots and shoes! With a soft close lift top lid it will house all of your outdoor footwear with ease and the cushioned top gives you the perfect place to perch to put on your shoes ready to face the day.
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon’s ‘Tap To Tidy’ Has Got Us All Obsessed – And You Will Be Too
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon Hangs Her Crisps – And No One Can Quite Believe It