My love affair with IKEA began when the first one opened in the USA back in the 1980s and then I moved and never saw another one again. I treasured my few pieces of furniture and they served me well over the past 3 decades. The one piece I have left, a modular bookcase (sadly no longer made) is a steel tube and pine beauty, a bit worn but still in fantastic shape. (So much for "cheap" Euro furniture, huh?)
Fast forward to 2017 when IKEA comes to Jacksonville. Yes, I did a mighty happy dance. It is as wonderful as I remembered and more. This place is a humongous labyrinth of a department store with furniture, appliances, linen, closet organizers, etc., etc. They have things for literally every room of your house from kitchen, bath, bed, living, dining, nursery, play, man cave, and patio. It's amazing. If you need something, they most likely will have it.
Yes, everything has bizarre made-up Swedish names, but I find that part of the charm. Yes, most everything that is largish has to be assembled by you - but that's how they keep the prices down. If you cannot transport it yourself or assemble it, they can help you with that - just ask.
They have an app you can download so you can shop in the privacy of your own home. What I do, is look for the stuff I need, add it to my list on the app and then find it in the store.
The employees are fantastic. Every department has at least one there, usually more like 3 if you pay attention. Once I got turned around (very easy) and lost and an employee found me the instant I said I need help. He was literally half a store away and spotted me in distress! I showed him the app and told him what I was looking for, and he led me straight to it.
Oh, and there is also a restaurant/cafe! The menu is small, and they always have Swedish Meatballs (yum!) but it's very affordable and delicious. They also have daily vegetarian offerings as well.
I'll tell you one of the reasons I really love IKEA besides the prices, quality and customer service. The size of most of the furniture. Many critics say this is a good place for college students because the things they sell are scaled perfect for dorm rooms. Well, I live in a home built in 1930 and space is at a premium - my house literally was not built big enough for modern couches and tables, etc. IKEA is perfect because I can find brand new, beautiful things scaled down to fit my home.
I'm so grateful that IKEA came to Jacksonville, and so is my husband and my daughter. I also cannot wait for a new grandchild - it's gonna be an IKEA baby, I've already informed my sons. read more