Many IKEA Locations Are Offering Much More Than Furniture

Those who have been following the evolution of IKEA for years know that it has been making strong improvements with the newer stores that have opened around the country. But those who haven't been keeping up are often surprised to find that the location near them has much more than stylish furniture and budget prices - and for many, the surprise is pleasant. If you've heard about how great the retailer is, but haven't explored it for yourself, then take a journey with me to find out what IKEA locations are offering to "wow" their customers.

Of course, the major selling point for IKEA locations around the country is their trendy, yet inexpensive, furniture. Many are amazed when they walk into one of these warehouse-sized stores to find tons of inexpensive options everywhere. It is not uncommon in one of their stores to locate a very nice leather sofa for under $1000. And if you're lucky, you will probably find a great armchair to match for even less - that is, if it hasn't already been snatched up by the person who was standing behind you eyeballing it. But many first-time customers are being surprised by more than just the prices and styles when the take a good look around the store. This is because IKEA has stepped into the arena of the superstore with their new features.

For example, don't be surprised if you walk into one of the newer IKEA stores only to be greeted by the scent of Swedish cuisine. Because it seems the retailer recognized the need for customers to be comfortable in their stores, they added an in-store restaurant serving American and Swedish meals. I've also heard that some locations include a bistro or café inside, and a Swedish Food Market. While I don't suppose it is entirely necessary to include all of this in a furniture store, it does give people a chance to experience the culture of the man who started the company, Ingvar Kamprad, who is from Sweden.

Something else that customers, and especially parents, are raving about is the inclusion of the children's play area in many IKEA locations around the country. The play area is not unlike many that you can find in malls except for one major bonus: it is supervised. This means many parents can take their children to IKEA, drop them off at the play area, shop at their own pace, grab the kids afterward, get a bite to eat then leave. It is the perfect solution for those who don't have a babysitter. And of course, it can help wear those little rugrats out so that when they get home, they'll be full and tired - the perfect formula for early bedtime.

Some other extras IKEA locations include rental vans, a Kids Club with discounts and special events, a free appointment with one of their furniture consultants, and free in-store measuring and designing tools. With all of the extras they're offering, it seems these IKEA locations have learned the art of keeping a customer - and by doing so they, of course, gain extra business. But this isn't a bad thing, because you as the customer reap the benefit - and no one loses in a win-win situation.

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