Danville Economic Development Director Telly Tucker said there possibly could be incentives for whoever fills the space, but nothing is sure now. It all will depend on the industry and investment amount.

Even though Ikea now isleaving, city and county officials still are satisfied and believe the deal was worthwhile.

“I don’t know many businesses in the area that have put the food on the table for 300 families for 11 years,” Rowe said.

“Ask any of the hundreds and hundreds — if not thousands — of people who have worked for Ikea over the last 12 years if they thought it was worth it, I think the answer would be a resounding yes,” Smitherman said.

As city and county leaders pivot and work with potential suitors for the facility, Ikea is working closely with them in the hopes of finding a new employer for their workers.

“We will do everything we can in the coming months to support our co-workers through this change as they look for new jobs and training opportunities,” Eades said.

County and city officials spoke highly of the way Ikea has approached the decision.