I always say my house will not look like that of Ed Norton's in Fight Club... but alas, Ikea just sucks me in. I go in for a candle and leave with $200 worth of stuff. Although websites like Craigslist and Kijiji allow me to purchase used items at a discounted price, I kind of have the mentality of why bother... You can get everything at a reasonable price brand spankin' new (with too much packaging) from Ikea.
Last night I had to exchange a basket to Ikea (I stupidly bought the floor model so it lacked a bottom!). They were no hassle and really user friendly. Someone even ran from the department to hand deliver a proper one to me. I have to admit, I like the service.
Walking through Ikea is like walking thru a dream like state. The upstairs in the showroom area is filled with potentials for your home. I love their clean, sleek displays and the fact that you can get comfortable in any one of them, really gives it the home feel.
then I head down to the marketplace where the spending begins. How did they know that I needed a set up tupperware when I didn't even know I needed any... It's like they read my mind. After the Marketplace comes the warehouse and my favourite area, the "as is" section. I always pick up something there that peaks my interest. Whether its a vase that someone returned so I get it at 10% the original price or perhaps a rug that was the floor model at one point.. (it's like a steal!)
My only real complaint is that they up'd the price of hot dogs to .75 cents from .50... don't they know that they shouldn't change a good thing?