IKEA Stoughton

1/5/2008

Ikea makes me twitch. But I also applaud it's ability to control, direct and manipulate it's client base. Astounding, really.

From a design stand point, everything's sleek and pretty neat looking, but with rooms set up both on the showroom and being driven around Boston as well as in catalogs... Everyone's living room/bedroom/kitchen/dining room start to look the same. Maybe some people need a pre-packaged room/house, but I like to think people's homes should be a little more personalized.

From a quality stand point, you get what you pay for. For accessories or temporary items, sure, it all works. But I wouldn't expect to be able to hold onto any of it for much more than a few years.

All that said, I do really like their accessories. I've gotten cute wrapping paper here, vases and some other nick knacks.

So I beg of you,  DO NOT GET YOUR COOKIE CUTTER LIVING ROOM!! ... but feel free to find those funky accents that can really stylize and personalize your home.

I'm still so entertained that you can only enter the showroom from one spot and are direct through according to Ikea's will. And you don't want to be that asshat going upstream.

Oh. And their cinnamon buns are to die for.

5/1/2007

Okay, fine...I'll admit that I love Ikea.  I love that it's not just a store, but an experience.  I love that on the weekends it's a nightmarish maze filled with hordes of people.  I love that you can get meatballs and mac n cheese.  I love that they have a grocery filled with such disgusting oddities as salmon roe in a tube.  

I love that I'm sitting in a comfortable Ikea chair next to an Ikea coffee table that combined cost me less than $100 and somehow still look cool.

Tonight, I will sleep in my hip-looking, yet somewhat dysfunctional Ikea bed that cost the same as the mattress pad that makes it comfortable.  I will continue to show off the Ikea scar that I earned on New Year's Eve while attempting to volley over a friend to the other side of that very same Ikea bed.  In the morning, I'll take care not to bang my leg against that very same wooden Ikea bed frame as I make my way to the Ikea dresser while watching a TV perched atop an Ikea tablestand.

Tomorrow at work, I will yet again mention to my coworkers that we should eat lunch at Ikea, since it's located close to where I work.  However, yet again, my coworkers (who are completely awesome, but the same age as your parents and grandparents) will think I'm joking about my Ikea lunch suggestion.

Unfortunately, I am not joking.

4/23/2007

Let me first start off by saying that I DO love Ikea. I love their furniture, the price, the wide array of choices, the style, etc.

I love that I can walk through the store, see mini-rooms set up, and get a feel for things we can do back home. I love that I don't have to pick anything right away, and can just make notes and write things down, and get what I want at the end. I love the random things you'll find here, things you didn't even realize you HAD to have, until that very moment. I love how huge the store is, and how things are spread out, and not jammed into a tiny space.

I do NOT love how it's a ginormous playground for kids, whose parents come for the day, and let their kids run all over the place screaming and yelling, unsupervised, while they stroll idly by, lost in new-couch-conversation. Seriously. I've almost lost a leg a few times.

I also don't like how the minute people pull into the parking lot, it's like they're 16 again, going for their learner's permit. Follow the arrows, people, pick a spot.

Word of advice? Go either first thing on a weekday morning, or on a Friday night. You'll find parking near the exits, on ground level, only about 200 kids running around, instead of 700, and the checkout lines with only about 10 people waiting, instead of 20. That's when I'll be there.

11/3/2012

This review is for the cafe.

They make the creamy Swedish meatballs here, not the meaty Swedish meatballs. The meatballs are served with a creamy gravy.

I think the meatballs are a mix of beef and pork.

The meatballs aren't cooked in the gravy, so you might want to cut them in half and dip them in the gravy. They also serve them with red lingonberry sauce.

I also got a vanilla cake. The cake was dome-shaped and covered with a marzipan frosting. There was custard and raspberry sauce inside. The custard was frozen. Maybe the custard is supposed to be frozen? I don't know.

I think they have lingonberry juice.  You might want to try that. Maybe mix it with some soda. You have to pay for your glass first before you get the soda.

9/16/2008

Yorn desh born, derritt de gittder gue
orn desh, dee born desh, de umn bork! bork! bork!

6/11/2008

The day i realized I was finally "getting old":   when I went to IKEA and found that the food court was so much more appealing than the furniture.  Oh, dear.

I give IKEA props;  they don't hide exactly what they are, and they really do have interesting furniture solutions, and they certainly know how to make their showroom look enticing.  Enticing enough that at the end of your trip, you're lugging four thousand pounds of WOOD from their basement to your car and thinking it's the best idea ever.  

Here's where things get tricky:  have you ever actually tried to read an IKEA instruction manual?  i swear that either Swedish people are incredibly brilliant and thus, are truly the underdogs of the world and will eventually take over, one Juuska at a time (that's a lamp, everyone) - OR, the IKEA folks are really just trying to make people nuts.  I don't get how stick figures of people dancing can somehow build me an entertainment center, especially considering that they include screws in their 'tool bag' that don't exist anywhere else... but all in all, I've been a fan.

I've had IKEA furniture last 6 or more years, and that's pretty crazy.

This particular location is great because, aside from the aforementioned food court (which ROCKS, people.. Swedish meatballs are great, but you should totally try the desserts!), there are staffmembers ready willing and able to help you pick out your next furniture building nightmare.  You don't have to wander aimlessly through the vortex that is IKEA if you don't want to... and you honestly don't get that everywhere.

i still have panic attacks when reminiscing about those instruction manuals... but I suppose it's all par for the course.  IKEA is good stuff, you just have to be incredibly patient, or have a really patient (or handy) friend.  If you have those things in check, you're golden.  Cheap furniture!  Life is good.

1/26/2011

Ikea makes me want to poke my own eyes out.

The first time I went to Ikea I was so excited to finally go that I jumped up and down a little when I first stepped foot in there.  The second time I went I moved quickly and got ideas about what to buy for the new house.  I started to realize the store wears you down a bit though.  The third time I went.. ugh, by the time I got out of the store I felt like I had just run the Boston Marathon.  On the elevator ride to the parking lot I said to my husband "I'm glad that's over"  and the gentleman next to us said outloud, "Amen."  We had spent almost 3k that day and then still needed everything to be delivered and assembled.  Thankfully the delivery was seamless and the assembling time only lasted about 7 hours for all the stuff we bought.  I was more than happy when it was all over.  

The last time I went to Ikea we needed 2 nightstands, a ladder, and some leather polish.  After finally getting through the store to the warehouse to pick up the nightstands and the ladder, we were told they were out of stock and had no idea when they would be back in the store.  So it was a complete waste of a trip from the South End.

On the way home I made a deal with my husband that I would assemble all Ikea furniture from now on if I never had to step foot in here again.  He argued, but I won.

2/21/2011

Where does IKEA get its funny name? Product names, like the Kramfors sofa and BEST J GRA TV unit with casters. It turns out IKEA actually has funky system based on names of stuff from its native lands. Items for the bathroom like Apskar (a wash basin), Toftbo (a bathroom mat), and Sanni (a bath sheet) are named after Scandinavian lakes, rivers and bays--that seems appropriate.

IKEA is a much bigger deal in North America than it is in Europe. I guess "Scandinavian Design" sounds exotic when you're far enough way from Scandinavia. I can understand that the label of "Danish Design" is pretty valuable, because the products that gets attributed with this label are things like classy (and outrageously expensive) Bang & Olufsen equipment. But IKEA products are mostly basic and affordable furniture.

But its not just a furniture store is it? No no Its an experience. Even before you arrive there are cues of an upcoming voyage as the airport-like signs over the street guiding you in. The place is huge, you will take hrs, whether you wish to or not getting around and finding yourself out of the maze. I always feel like a diligent ant when there, following the other diligent colony ants...follow the floor arrows, be quick, be thorough, we all must follow the defined path, dont stray too far, keep moving. It can be overwhelming at any time. During the same trip you may feel elation from an innovative discovery or bargain then feel complete torment, this is a nightmare-then back again.

The furniture. Its college dorm stuff, at best it sometimes succeeds in looking like trendy bachelor(ette) pad living in downtown. I think ive bought bookshelves and a desk at some point but the serious furniture is not all that serious. Putting the furniture together is a chore. Where Ikea really succeeds, for me, is the the lower level; this is where all the home accessories are. Buy lights, rugs, posters, curtains, bedding, exotic plants, pillows, kitchen goods and on and on. Ikea also cleverly solves every storage need a human being may have.

The food. Ive rarely liked cafeteria food more. If you were to get served this stuff at a restaurant you would send it back, but at Ikea you rejoice in the value. It reaffirms the notion that the needless stuff you just bought is really a great value, just like the food. No its not junk, look its edible. The Swedish meatballs and mac and cheese is my fav. For take home the Marabou milk chocolate is a must. It is similar to Belgium or British chocolate, much creamier, its fantastic.

Ikea is a great place to find expensive looking and unique accessories cheap. The trip can be a day kill but i dare you to go and not bring something new home.

3/5/2008

Here's how my date with Ikea went:

The actress is always breaking things
The things you made and she took you for
And I'm so tired -- I'd be lying -- I hope the prairie buys you more
The fitness coast is growing near
The shores they don't stay blond this year
That's why the marble lawns stay clear and warm in time

I want to stay but my time is wasting
The magic lands call my name
They want to fire a missile launcher
But I know I need to stay

We all know that by staying here it'll be a good high this year
So whats the use to staying there if you've got no use for time
The fitness coast is growing near
The shores they don't stay blond all year
The continent moves with growing fears
Its all for expensive lawn

I want to stay but my time is wasting
The magic lawns call my name
I want to fire a missile launcher
But I know I need to stay

I know I need to stay
(and fight the day.)
I know I need to stay
(and fight the day.)
I know I need to stay
(and fight the day.)
I know I need to stay
(and fight the day.)

In other words, we had the meatballs. There were also some spiral stairs. It was wonderful...

8/16/2008

No joke, I am in LOVE with Ikea.  My fiance actually gets a little bit jealous when we drive by and I blow kisses.  After college, I was freaking out that I needed to buy real furniture.  Ikea to the rescue!  Sure this place is ginormous and a little intimidating (it's pretty easy to get lost too...), but it's the most amazing layout of rooms and furniture and everything!  I wish my house was completely composed of rooms straight out of Ikea...swoooon.  And the people who work there are so helpful...they won't even laugh when you butcher the names of the various Swedish furniture.  My tv stand is called Flarke, isn't that cute!?  

Fo' serious, although it may be a pain in the ass to put everything together, the price is right, and it's sturdy as hell.  I've gotten a good 3 years out of my dresser/massive desk/coffee table/tv stand and everything's in great shape.  Near the checkout they have some "not quite new" stuff that you can get for a steal too...wooohooo, I love the Swedes!

9/8/2009

My roommate and I recently found some great ikea furniture left on the curb. However one of the tracks for the top drawer was broken, and the feet wouldn't stay on because the plastic nails were bent and some of the pegs were missing.

We went down to Ikea on Saturday during Labor Day weekend. This sounds like it should be a terrible idea, however they were so organized and ready for the crowds that we were directed to parking, and told exactly where to go for what we needed.

We pulled a number (about 12 or so people in front of us) and waited... but only about 10 minutes before we were helped. We figured we'd have to pay for the parts, and that they might give us a hard time with no receipt or anything. But it was a quick and pleasant experience. The customer service person helping us was only concerned with making sure she was giving us the right parts. No questions, no cost, quick and easy.

We were in and out of there, with exactly what we needed quickly and efficiently. For being labor day weekend, I was very impressed by how friendly, helpful, and quick the service was.

Kudos Ikea for knowing how to move people.

3/18/2009

Put on your walking shoes and stash some extra patience in that handbag. This place is roughly the size of a few airplane hangars (the kind that houses the An-225 Mriyas of the world), and it is filled with furniture and house trimmings.

Here's why I like Ikea:
- I feel like I've entered a life-size dollhouse
- At times, the path through the store reminds me of the Yellow Brick road, which I have to follow on my quest to find the perfect bathroom storage bench. At times, witches (mothers and their enormous baby carriages) and evil monkeys (people who stop in the middle of the Road without stepping aside) get in my way, but I must perservere.
- The cinnamon buns are, like, $1, and a hot dog costs two quarters. That's change I can find in a gutter somewhere pretty quickly.
- I love the "housewares" sections, which includes glorious arrays of: curtains, rugs, kitchen accessories, plants, pillows, bathroom trinkets, lighting fixtures. Weee!!! My "complimentary shopping bag" fills up quickly in these areas.

Here's why I hate it:
- I can't stand modern furniture. Sofas should be soft and comfy. If I want to sit on something hard and uncomfortable, I'll go straddle a gravestone.
- Most of the furniture is not real wood. It's fake wood. It tricks me from afar. I don't enjoy being 'tricked from afar' while furniture shopping.
- It's just so damn big. I always leave exhausted, drained, grumpy.

Overall, I how Ikea has fully furnished demo rooms, because it allows you to better visualize each room of your own house. If you need to mazimize space, a visit to Ikea will be very helpful. I am not a fan of 90% of the furniture, but the housewares sections never disappoint.

7/26/2010

The horror...the horror...

On random Sundays my girlfriend would say "Let's go to IKEA and get some (blah blah blah)"

I would reach for the gun I keep in my imagination and shoot myself in the head. IKEA on a Sunday is the worst.

It's the only one near Boston or Providence, so it is JAMMED with happy girlfriends/fiancees/wives and unhappy men on Sundays.

Several times I have had the pleasure of spending 3+ hours bumping into people and staring at laminate particle board, waiting for the ultimate pleasure of cramming said laminate particle board into my car, back to my apartment, and then getting the privilege of getting to put it all together like an erector set, then being too beat to reap the rewards of being the good boyfriend that made it all happen (if you catch my drift *wink wink nudge nudge*)

+1 star for the times I DID get to reap said benefits.

6/10/2008

My third stop after arriving in Boston and running to Trader Joe's and Target.  I have been lusting after the Frost Drying Rack since the first time I lived in Boston and was ready to hit up this store NOT during peak move-in/move-out season (end of August, beginning of September ladies and gentlemen - save yourself a trip that weekend and don't go here or Target, they'll be out of everything you're looking for!).

Why is this place 25 mi away?  Is land just past Dorchester that expensive?  Then, I saw online that shipping/home delivery started a $99 minimum.  Start up the car, honey!  We laughed at all the people waiting on 93 at 7:30 pm on a Saturday and figured it was the Celtics game, we'll just hang out at Ikea til it closes at 9 pm to avoid the traffic.  

The store is huge, the parking lot/garage is huge, products are set up in displays that make you want your room at home to look like.  Write down the location of that furniture you like in the self-pick-up because it'll be hard to remember after you've walked through what seemed like 2 football fields' worth of madness.  We heard someone complain behind us, "Well no wonder it's so cheap, you have to assemble it yourself!"  Duh.  Furniture comes in flat/rectangular boxes stocked in a pick-it-up yourself warehouse at the end of your winding tour.  Pictures are decently easy to follow and hubby and I had fun assembling things the next day.  We're hoping this furniture lasts for the next few years while we're here, not sure because we've never bought furniture from here before.  I do love my new drying rack which will help me save on dryer costs!  

Note:  there is construction going on on 93 N.  It took us almost 1.5 hours to get home.  Better decide whether you really want/need stuff now because I wouldn't want to drive back out in that mess to return a $16 chair or something!

5/4/2008

IKEA furniture is definitely like legos for grownups. I love putting stuff together, it's like opening a present and playing with your blocks (if you were that kind of kid growing up, and oh, I totally was).  

Sure, you will get sick of allen wrenches and wooden pegs REALLY FAST but -- if you CHOOSE well -- this furniture can actually last a damn long time. The particleboard stuff, no, but they do have quite a bit of solid wood furniture. Sure, it's not high quality stuff but it will fool most people ;)   I've had a lot of luck with their wood furniture. It's starter furniture but, hey, I don't have thousands of bucks to drop on furniture plus another few hundred to pay for movers.  IKEA furniture is wonderfully apartment-friendly.

This IKEA is a bit of a hike from, well, almost anywhere, but it's pretty much a straight shot from both 93 or 95. It's a zoo on the weekend, duh, but surprisingly civilized on a weekday night if you can make it then. And in case you need some assembly tools or additional cheap furniture, Home Depot and Christmas Tree Shops are right down the street from here! The whole area in Stoughton is like home-furnishing headquarters.

12/15/2009

Shopping trips during the holidays often devolve into promenading through an endless sequence of big-box retailers, each with their own methods of separating customers from their wages or winnings. Whether appliances, or electronics, or furniture, there is no real difference within the gray haze of the holiday shopping experience, and that's sad.

And yet there are exceptions, chief of which is Ikea. Yes, it's kind of a big box store complete with the crowds, noise, and overabundance of goods. Oriented toward furniture and other goods for the home there are some things that one won't find here. However...the items on the floor and on the shelves are made, designed, and priced on a human scale.

Moreover, most of the items can be adapted or used in a number of different settings. There are racks and shelving units suitable for both a fancy apartment and a dorm room. The lamps I viewed were of similar design and quality. It's possible to furnish an entire place with furniture from Ikea and to live with it for a while. Not bad at all.

Unlike many other larger department stores they also have a food court. Not a traditional food court, though, for it stocks house brands and a large proportion of Swedish-oriented foods. I am not sure after visiting here that I will develop a taste for herring...but some of the other items, such as the jams, crackers, etc., I could handle on a regular basis - even those with which I had previously been unfamiliar. Be forewarned, though, that a list may be helpful when shopping here. It is possible to go broke through impulse buying in the food section.

No, they didn't have me change my dollars into krona and I didn't have to learn the Swedish national anthem before checking out. But Ikea enlightened me about some of the good things that come out of Sweden and about how a little attention to design and versatility can turn a dreaded shopping experience into a rather pleasurable trip.

2/18/2007

Decorating on a budget seems like an oxymoron to me. If you're on a budget, should you really be worried about decorating? Probably not. But we all need to love where we live.

So we go to places like Ikea, where we load up on "stuff" that we probably won't use beyond our current residences and hear people say things like, "It's so cheap, how can I not buy it?!?" Therein lies the Ikea problem. All those "great deals" for $3.00 each add up real fast, and before you know it you're walking out with $50, $100 or $150 worth of particleboard that you have to lug to your car, assemble yourself and do it all while chowing on a not-so-soft cinnamon bun that you just couldn't pass up.

Enjoy spending that budget!

5/30/2008

IKEA is my personal favorite import from Europe. I like the upstairs when you need inspiration for your room(s). And the downstairs is the best for when you know what you want and can get out rather quickly. I just got the laminate flooring (HEMSE, I think) and it looks fantastic. My parents thought it was real wood floor once I installed it.

I like the layout of the store because I feel like I will never miss one of their products. I enjoy the innovative ideas and that room that is 300 or 400 square feet just blows my mind. I like the designs and material. There are many good options from cheap to higher quality for most products. Whenever I go, I never leave empty-handed.

Cafeteria: The food is fairly good. I especially like the desserts. I could enjoy their Daim cake or almond/hazelnut chocolate goodness any day. Although I wished they had expresso/coffee machines that brew up the good stuff fresh in seconds like most of the European branches. But at least we have our ranch dressing!

4/13/2009

Your first time, it really is overwhelming. An average IKEA store is about the size of a small airport. No kidding. With it's own covered parking garage, several stories of shopping, an overflow parking lot and a warehouse, it seems to take up several acres of land.

We did enjoy browsing the rest of the store and scrounging some recession-era priced goodies though. For example, a throw for 2.99, a few plates for .79 cents, and a hot pink desk chair for Jen ($20 - you get what you pay for.)

The best part of the night was dinner. Yes, IKEA even has their own cafeteria, complete with Swedish meatballs and (lucky for me) BBQ ribs! My fave. Amazingly, they were the best ribs ever, and not just because I'd walked 2 miles to get to them. They also have this awesome Lingonberry sauce and juice that is unbelievable. Jen had the meatballs, and we both had mashed potatoes with rich, buttery gravy. Delicious, cheap, and instantly available on the buffet line.

If I ever go back (as I'm sure we will) it must be on a Wednesday, since that's Rib Night at the cafe.

Anyone who thinks they're going to get some really high quality furniture at cheap prices is going to be sorely disappointed. With that said, if you're just needing something like a small bookcaseor table, mood lighting, some dorm furniture or home accessories, it's really a great place to look around. Don't expect to pick up any heirlooms that will last 100 years, but remember, it's not really that kind of place.

Life is what you make of it, and so is a trip to IKEA. If you want to have fun, you WILL have fun. If you treat it like a toothache, that's the kind of experience you'll have. Make sure you're in a positive, well-rested and well-fed state of mind and body when you go, and yoou'll have a blast!

For what it is, it's worth checking out at least once just to say you did. Cheap dishes, plants and kitchenware complete the deal for a first-timer's trip as well. And the ribs -- did I mention the ribs? ;)

• 

  stovetop grill that i use several times a week for indoor grilling.

  stovetop grill that i use several times a week for indoor grilling.
• 

  Jen's pink desk chair - $20-ish.

  Jen's pink desk chair - $20-ish.
• 

  EXPEDIT 2x4 bookcase on caster wheels.

  EXPEDIT 2x4 bookcase on caster wheels.
• See all photos from Tommy P.

11/27/2006

Ikea is overwhelming in the best possible way. Of course the prices are incredibly low but it's really how aesthetically pleasing each and every item is. I found myself gushing over the bedding and my room is cluttered with items meant for organization. You'll want to buy everything in sight and usually if you do go that route, you'll feel good about it because your wallet is only slightly lighter than you had planned. Also, the food is A+. It's exhausting looking at everything so grab a cheap lunch but save room for the 'Bistro' at the end of your trip. Most items at the Bistro are under three dollars.
Don't expect a ton of help because the whole point it that everything is cheaper because you do it all on your own.

11/19/2011

The showroom is an absolute nightmare for first timers.  After the first time, it gets really easy.

I'm a fan of Ikea.  Especially the Expedit series.   I've used 4x2 Expedit as a replacement dresser.  (with drona boxes).

Everytime I come in, I find something new to buy.  I guess those swedes know how to market to the human subconcious.  Am I less manly now?

"And I wasn't the only slave to my nesting instinct.  The people I know who used to sit in the bathroom with pornography, now they sit in the bathroom with their IKEA furniture catalogue" - Fight Club

12/18/2006

I think there is something for everyone at IKEA, be you rich or poor.

For the college student with no money, it is a gold mine for buying cheap furnishings and bathroom/kitchen supplies (toilet brushes for a dollar!). For those with a bit more cash to spare, the minimalist style is very appealing and they offer many ways to decorate and sleekly organize your home/apartment.

As to the quality of the items, that is mixed. Sometimes you really do get for what you pay for. That 6 drawer dresser you bought for only $69? Yeah well don't be surprised if the drawers collapse or the whole thing tips over.  Some of the material is really cheap and things do break. Don't even think about disassembling it to move either; it won't. You pretty much have to move it as is or sell it.
Don't get me wrong I like this place but you have to be warned that a lot of this stuff is not solid wood and won't stand up to a lot of wear and tear. For a temporary fix though this is a great place.

Furniture aside most of the other items are very good quality and again the style is quite unique.

As for the best hours to shop, that would certainly be weekdays, and NEVER EVER go the weekend after everyone moves (the weekend after September 1st) everyone and their mother will be there, everything will be sold out, and you will spend at LEAST half an hour tooling around the parking lot looking for a spot. Weekdays are calm, quiet, plenty of parking, and everything is usually in stock. Make a point of taking a day off for this place.

11/10/2007

Go Swedes!  You make it easy to come, easy to stay, and easy to spend (both money and hours.)

But, beware!  It can be a bit overwhelming.  You come for a table and leave with 2 throw pillows, storage containers, kitchen knick-knacks, wrapping paper, frozen meatballs, and a plant.  No table.

Totally caters to people with kids, what with the free diapers, large bathrooms with plenty of changing tables, kiddie sinks, cheap eats, elevators, wide aisles, free storage lockers, even free babysitting (in their Smaland playroom).

$99 for shipping is a little steep, but the furniture is otherwise unbeatably cheap (and sometimes in every sense of the word).  The selection rocks - there's something for everyone here.

8/17/2008

Those Swedes sure are a clever bunch.  Ikea has everything you will need for your new place and then some.  Sure, the quality is sub-par, and the picture instructions without words that can be used universally in every country are annoying, but it is CHEAP!  I will sacrifice some sanity constructing that new desk if I can save a little casheesh.

If you are on a budget and do not want to buy something that is likely infested with fleas and lice from a weirdo on Craigslist, this is your best bet.

What I hate - the fact that in order to get to an exit, you are forced to run a rat race through every single department in the store.  They really try to get you with the impulse buys at Ikea.  Don't miss the 50 cent hot dogs on the way out the door, that is one impulse I repeatedly succumb to.

10/27/2010

Ok so I have made the pilgrimage to IKEA many times since it opened in late 2006. On a weekend it gets 3 stars on a weekday it gets 5.

First on weekdays:
I have taken a few "sick days" in my life to go to IKEA crowd free. There is no wait and I can take my time to stroll through the showroom, take pictures to send to my fiance and then after walking a few miles it is time for a meal.

I go and get some yummy lunch ( swedish meatballs are delicious) they also have 50 cent hotdogs for the kiddos. Vegans this is not your place to eat. It actually kinda suprises me since there tends to be a hippish crowd.

I then head downstairs to the marketplace and shop until my hearts content. The carts do not work too well but its not the end of the world.  They have everything from linens, towels, pots and pans, lighting, decor, etc. I mean everything IKEA is an adventure.

Then you get to the self service area where you get your weight training in after and hour or two of cardio. Lifting those heavy boxes is a great bicep workout and I will take it .

The stuff is easy to build, decent quality and they have cheap prices.

I almost always do the self service area after I went once and dealt with the bichiest cashier of my life. I have never really met a friendly employee here, I would assume IKEA does not pay well but these people need a little bit of an attitude adjustment.

On weekends......

It is a zoo. Parking is near impossible. Check out lines are huge. It is like an theme park. Lots of strollers, screaming kids, pouting boyfriends/fiances/husbands, bitchy women who are on the prowl for a cheap end table and will fight to the death for it.

I will not go on and on but I know longer go to IKEA on the weekends even though the people watching was enjoyable.

4/24/2009

Here's a secret tip:

Ask the folks behind the food counter for a "Swedish Motorcycle".  You'll be pleasantly surprised.

5/30/2012

Furniture store or cultural anthropology exhibit?

I've bought plenty of furniture here, but I'd go to IKEA just for the entertainment. I could spend all day--after all, they sell breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even that delicious Scandinavian licorice if I need a snack. In fact, I want to move into that adorable 500-square-foot apartment they've assembled for display purposes. I'll take the top bunk.

It's great people-watching--it turns out that cheap home goods attract a very broad slice of the U.S. population. One can learn about design (who knew kitchen storage could be mounted that way?), home ec (make your own curtains with a bolt of fabric and scissors!), and marketing (the store's layout makes it virtually impossible to get out without first walking past every category of merchandise they offer).

IKEA, if you start offering undergraduate degrees, I'll be the first in line.

9/10/2008

Based purely on anecdotal evidence, it would seem to me that woman *love* IKEA and men LOATHE it.  Personally I love the magical winding trail of house porn and could spend all day in IKEA.  My girlfriends and I make never-to-be-realized plans of spending an afternoon browsing IKEA and then eating in their cafe.

That never happens.  The two times I've been to this IKEA I've had to go with my husband, who really hates it.  Even though we have the best little rug and super-comfy sofa that makes us look cooler just sitting on it, this evidence of IKEA's riches does nothing to convince him that it's a wonderful place full of cheap housewares.  To him it's an incomprehensible maze.

Luckily right when you walk in there's a map with all the shortcuts noted so you can actually bypass all the tempting trinkets and get right to the orgy of futons or whatever it is you're there for.  You *can* walk into an IKEA and just buy what you need (although it may help to have a Scottish husband--you can borrow mine if you're lacking in willpower).

2/24/2007

This is a tough one.  I love everything I have ever purchased from Ikea, from my new gorgeous living room rug to my super modern sleek bed frame.  However.  I HATE the actual shopping experience.

I think that part of this stems from my deep hatred of shopping in giant stores (i.e. Home Depot, Target) After 5 minutes of walking around I completely space out due to commerce overload, and can no longer focus on why I came to the store in the first place.  I become fatigued, disoriented...I long for hydration, rest, and completed purchases...

Anywho, this is what happens to me in the land of Ikea...It is just SO MUCH to process, with a million people swirling around you in the showroom as you gasp for cinnamon bun scented air and giant indoor billboards for larger than life 99 cent Swedish meatballs swim by...it's basically just one giant clusterf**k.  

But I love the furniture and trinkets.  Everything except for those heinous couch and chair covers...ick.  And the service is good.  But I am always happy to leave.

5/27/2008

I love the idea of Ikea, and love the catalog.

I hate going into the store.   Honestly, there has to be a better way to do this.

It's always a disorganized madhouse.  And, getting help is a chore.  

Oh, and why is it okay for parents to bring hordes of bored, tired, cranky and hungry children furniture shopping?  Unless, Junior is a budding Queen, he isn't going to like being there, and will let everyone in the store know this.

Note to Ikea:  Why don't you do what Sears did, and create pick-up sites for furniture, and big items, that are separate from the store floor?

Makes sense to me.  That way you can order stuff online, pick it up when it's in stock, and avoid the annoying "in stock in store", but no one can find it when you get there, problem.  Just saying....

Actually, I've just pinpointed the whole problem with the Ikea Store....

Everything is right there, and the only way you can get to much of it is to wind through the whole place.  Its overwhelming, and too crowded to work.  Especially given that you have to schlep your wares all through the place to get to the registers.  The place needs reorganizing, badly.  How about registers in separate departments, like in most stores.  Plus, knowledgeable staff that know their department?  Just a suggestion.

1/5/2010

This place would get 5 stars if it weren't for the less than pleasant woman who rang us up.

I recently had my first Ikea experience. I know, this is practically a coming of age novel rather than a review. My first impression was "this place is like an amusement park"
Unfortunately what that means is it also comes complete with rowdy kids and crowds of people. However, I got past that and began to marvel at an interior decorating haven of goodies.

I didn't even know they had a cafeteria with food- what a nice surprise. The cinnamon bunswere delicious, as were the infamous Swedish meatballs. Everything is so cheap but so good!

I was a bit overwhelmed when we got to the showrooms and I began frantically taking photos ofeverything with my iPhone (note: my boyfriend and I are in the process of renovating and furnishing our condo). Then we got to the downstairs area with all the kitchen wares and textiles and housewares for sale. I quickly filled up our cart with essentials. Some things I had to convince my boyfriend that they were in fact "essentials", but I digress- Ikea was amazing

We ended up with about $500 of stuff at the end of our Ikea journey- and money well spent for sure. However when we were being rung up the woman took a look at a plant we were buying and said "this is a display item I can't sell it to you" even though it had a price tag on it. Well excuuuuuuse me that I don't know proper Ikea etiquette. So I offered to run back and grab a new one (the plant section isn't all that far away from the registers). She responded:

"By the time you get back everything will be rung up and I can't hold the register". pfft WHAT?

I sprinted, came back just as she was ringing up the last item, she saw me but still said "Sorry, already rung you up". BITCH

So I promptly went over to the self-check out and rang it up myself, no biggie.

All in all Ikea was all in a days work and a fantastic experience (much more fun than just browsing their website).

10/27/2010

I take my boyfriend here if he's been bad. I take my friend here if she needs to be cheered up. I take myself here if I need a duvet cover and lights and fabric for curtains and meatballs for face stuffing and mashed potatoes for the savoring.

I like this place, because I want to buy a funky orange couch, and not have to worry about it when I become an adult at age 28 and need to have cool adult furniture at that time. I love the idea of the wealth of inexpensive dishes and lamps and glassware.

This place is amazing. I can only wait to take my mom there!

3/18/2012

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.  
I can't stand the crowds, I can't stand the fact that they need someone directing traffic in the parking lot, and I don't like the feeling of being herded through the store on a pre-planned route.  AND the kicker is, just like BJ's or Sam's Club, you usually drop what you were going to buy and just walk out after you see the lines at the registers.

8/18/2008

Heather in Ikea = kid in candy store.

I literally had to start taking things out of my cart because I couldn't afford everything I wanted to buy (or I could have if i hadn't dropped bank at No. 9 Park the night before- see review).  

extra stars for the almond cake in the cafe too.

1/4/2011

Like a kid in a candy shop.

I went with a friend of mine and was nearly dropped off at the kids center when we walked in...because I tend to make a scene in places like this.  I get lost easy, panic a lot and just overall can be a bit ridiculous.  I walk into people, can't push a carriage to save my life...but I made it work this time around!

Go hungry.  Go on a weekday.  Bring a strong man with you.

8/1/2009

Love this place.

Ikea is something I can do when I'm completely bored and have absolutely nothing to do or no where to go on any given day. Guaranteed to have a good time.

People always tell me that they get lost in this place, but really just follow the arrows on the path and you're all good. The upstairs is all furniture, separated by each room of your house. I like to see how the have the "fake" apartments set up with some amazing stuff in such tiny spaces.

The Marketplace downstairs is my favorite!! It has all the little stuff for your place. Lights, kitchen stuff, rugs, bathroom stuff, bedding... it's all pretty awesome. I would spend so much money here if I had it to spend in the first place.

Before the checkouts, if you look to the right there's the Bargain Center. Check it out!!!! There's so much good stuff that is in here for cheap because it's got a tiny scratch or it's missing a piece or something. Usually you can't even tell whats wrong with the item, and maybe you are handy enough to buy it and then stop at Home Depot on the way out and fix it at home.

Oh, and the cafe is pretty amazing too. Yay! for cinnamon buns and hot dogs and Swedish meatballs on the cheap!! I mean, $2.50 for a couple dogs, a drink and a bag of chips?!? What's better than that after a fun afternoon of shopping?  

One note would be to try to avoid this place on the weekend, it can get absolutely insane with tons of people. Oh, and there's no public transportation to this place either... but I drive so that doesn't really bother me. Some people can't stand Ikea and some people love it. I'm kind of the latter.

2/27/2009

Ikea is one of my favorite places! I lovingly call my apartment an Ikea showroom. I have so many Ikea pieces that I'm an expert in putting it all together. Ikea is great place to go to find economical furniture. You can find a futon for your college dorm room or a leather sofa, a table that folds like origami or a kitchen table that feeds 8. Ikea has something for everyone, you just have to spend some time looking.

As for the Ikea in Stoughton, I've been here a couple different times. It's easy to get to, and is even easier to navigate through. The entire place is categorized so you move through in sections. Looking for something specific? You can bypass the labyrinth and head to warehouse section.

The only advice I have is to avoid it at all costs from August 20th-Sept 5th unless you want to join the herds of college kids. Yes, I mean HERDS!

2/19/2012

Memo alert: I am not in my 20s or 30s. I don't need furniture from IKEA and I already have plenty of knick knacks to last a lifetime. However, we were in the area, so we decided to visit IKEA for the first time. That two-story store is massive. Upon entering, we encountered a big sign that advertised the restaurant and the possible good deals one could get on the first floor.

Granted, it was a Saturday, so I wasn't surprised at the number of people looking for IKEA bargains: kitchen sets, bedroom stuff, desks, house wares, mirrors, rugs, glasses, hangers, plants. Everything you could possibly want. Was just interesting to walk around, to see older people, young families with kids. Everyone was looking for a bargain, and everyone needed the handy map provided at the entrance.

We did "enjoy" a meal, and I use the word "enjoy" facetiously. I had what was supposed to be salmon with mashed potatoes, but it wasn't really salmon. Don't know what kind of fish it was, although I do know it was dry. The carrot side looked like plastic and I didn't partake. My husband had a hankering for the ribs and for the Swedish meatballs (bought 5 meatballs for a buck, I think). Let's put it this way: After we left the store, we went to Trader Joe's so he could buy REAL ribs for a late dinner. That said it all.

The best thing about this place is that we got in perhaps 2 miles of walking: Should have brought my pedometer to verify. We didn't need anything and we didn't leave with anything. If I were a college student or had a young family, this place would be great to purchase furniture, pillows, a desk, and assorted storage items or a do-it-yourself entertainment center. For me, not so much, but it was an experience. Glad we went.

6/22/2007

The five stars are for IKEA being completely deserted on a Friday night! Me and my buddy were the only chicks in the store, and were able to get our delicious (cheap) Swedish food without having to wait in any line!

Who knew they were open until 10 PM??? That's so cool. Now I know where to go at 8:30 on Friday night to buy cute kitchen utensils.

You're really able to pretend you live in a 273 sq ft apartment when no strangers are there to try it to. Just like the commercials.... You CAN believe everything you see on tv!

6/15/2011

I'm actually wanna talk about food in Ikea like: Cinnabon! This is one of my weakness. If one of my friend will do something stupid and disappoint me they know that couple cinnamon rolls and i forgive them :) I'm never can say NO if somebody will prepose me cinnamon roll.  I know it's sounds very funny buy that's true. I's sort of drug for me....
So i find this place in  Ikea where they made such delicious sweets. I feel the small of cinnamon and fresh baked rolls as soon as i enter into the store. it's just so good i can't even find words to describe!
I love having warm cinammon roll with milk or tea. Nothing can be better then that......
Small piece of happiness for me :)