[mushka]

I was introduced to Ikea about 2 years ago by my sister. She talked me into going and now I make an every once in a while pilgrimage to Ikea only because gas prices limit me to such visits. Though there are a few negatives, my overall experience with Ikea is most definately positive. It's such a Fun (can I say that?) place for the big 'kids'. It's like Disneyland for the adult. Food, decor, and atmosphere that brighten the adventure. My favorite part??? That would have to be the 'mock' apartments/rooms that let you, in a sense, peek into someone else's better decorated home. I'm a nosey person by nature, so its a guitless kind of bonus for me.

I've heard people bash Ikea's furniture saying that it was poorly made, yada, yada. Well, I have a dining room table (purchased at a different/popular furniture store) with the finish already rubbing off. I don't like table cloths, so thats my plight. Any furniture, not well taken care of, will not hold up. Nuff said. Since becoming an Ikea fan I have bought two twin beds that are very sturdy and that I love, and I bought a huge amount of Besta cabinets USED that I have separated and mounted in my home. They look great!!! The new Ikea family subscription is awesome as well. I get free coffee/tea everytime I go, it printed me a coupon for a free icecream, and I ended up getting $1 off a book that I bought. Not sure why, I just happened to see it on my reciept as an ikea family discount. Not complaining there. Love the family restrooms and free diapers (though I have yet to use one since I bring my own).

Negatives??? You sometimes have to wait in line for help, and sometimes you don't. I always get the help that I need line or not. The cafeteria workers are not so nice. They are not mean either, just indifferent. I still love the cafeteria/cafe atmosphere/experience however. It's just refreshing. Ikea is a self serve sort of experience. I try to warn people about that since we all tend to expect the hounds to come a-runnin' at typical furniture stores. I, myself, like that I am left alone to make my own decisions. There is no help when it comes to loading your stuff. You are on your own.

We plan to make another trip this weekend and may be taking a caravan of curious possible Ikea fans with us.
Can't wait!!!

[Apartment Size Furniture]

To be fair...one of the reasons why IKEA can provide such great prices and quality products is the the lack of store labor. Not saying they don't spend money on labor, but the whole IKEA experience is predicated upon you doing the grunt work.

That said, I don't expect to get top level service at IKEA.