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The IKEA honey trap and why we love it

Edmund Tadros

by Edmund Tadros

08 Oct 05:55am

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Filed under: Business, Ikea, Shopping

88 comments

Six more IKEA stores might sound like a bad thing - particularly if you’re the sort that doesn’t enjoy its giant maze-like outlets - but rival retailers may be secretly pleased the furniture giant is expanding.

This couple, like many, have an unusual relationship with Billy Boy the Ikea bookcase. Photo: Chris Pavlich

Like retail remora fish, these smaller retailers make a living feeding off the Swedish DIY’s back, even as it devours a juicy chunk of the homewares market.

And the key is our instatiable desire to beautify our nests, combined with the sheer drawing power of IKEA.

The homewares sector has been the strongest growing component of retail spending in recent decades, driven by a combination of population growth, lifestyle changes, the popularity of home improvements and relatively strong economic conditions, according to Sean Stephens of Essential Economics.

His analysis of official statistics show that in the past 20 years, demand for homewares has grown from $24 billion to $54 billion (in 2010 dollars).

Stephens says that although each of the new IKEA stores would have a one-off impact on competitors, the overall growth of the homewares market means that only poorly performing stores would be heavily affected.

Then there is the ability of IKEA to attract shoppers. The chain’s three company owned stores attracted 7 million visitors in the twelve months to August 31. (IKEA also has franchise stores in Perth and Adelaide).

This leads to what Deutsche Bank retail analyst Alexi Baker-McLennan calls the ‘honey pot’ effect, where rivals find that outlets near an IKEA perform better than other similar stores.

The theory is panned out by conversations I’ve had with retailers who have stores near the IKEA at Rhodes shopping centre in New South Wales.

Retailers at Rhodes shopping centre in NSW told me that they found that not only did the IKEA pull in the crowds from long distances, it attracted crowds looking to spend money which flowed on to other stores.

IKEA’s price points mean it is aimed at people wanting basic goods when they are starting out or don’t have that much to spend.

So retailers who sell high-end versions of IKEA products do particularly well near the store.

King of Knives told me that they find customers buy basic knife sets from IKEA and then come to them when they are looking to settle down and buy the good stuff.

But there is a sting in the tail for IKEA’s competitors.

Baker-McLennan says IKEA is moving into more upmarket, expensive furniture, with higher-quality items that cost more than the traditional IKEA range.

The message for upmarket retailers is this: IKEA noticed you are attached to its back, and it wants to shake you off and have you for lunch.

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88 comments

Show oldest | newest first

    • Bec says:

      05:54am | 08/10/10

      Guilty as charged. However, having just bought a house, we need to look at cheaper options for furnishing it. Aside from second hand, Vinnies and very cheap places like Fantastic Furniture, what else is there?

      Reply

    • Lilly says:

      02:32pm | 08/10/10

      Go to Super A-Mart

    • deb says:

      08:38am | 09/10/10

      ebay! I just moved house and have bought all my furniture from ebay. You may have to be prepared to use a llittle elbow grease or do some recovering but I bought my dining table and 8 chairs for $22.50 (yes really) and then recovered the chairs in white vinyl ($90.00)..the lady tells me her sister paid over $2500 for it….

    • Simon says:

      06:35am | 08/10/10

      Some of the IKEA stuff is OK but I generally avoid it because I find the “maze” effect too controlling and heavy-handed.

      Reply

    • ibast says:

      07:21am | 08/10/10

      I agree with the maze effect.  I get a little stressed in a normal shopping center, but after trying to get out of an Ikea quickly once and being turned in circles, I vowed never to go into one of their stores again.

    • T.Chong says:

      07:57am | 08/10/10

      ibast, next time, stop at their McIkky in store “cafe” and leave a trail of rissoles and spaghetti to find your way out.
      Worked or Hansel and Gretel, they never got lost in an Ikea.

    • Elisa says:

      08:36am | 08/10/10

      I rarely go through the entrance at IKEA in Richmond - I can’t stand the slow dawdlers.  I would suggest that you check out what you want beforehand by looking at the catalogue/website, then enter the store through the exit points which will take you straight to where the furniture is warehoused, look up the location of what you want and grab it.  If you want the homewares stuff, then just wander in a bit further and grab it.

    • MK says:

      02:31am | 10/10/10

      The Maze effect is a simple intelligence test,
      it is designed to keep those who are easily confused in the store longer,
      these people are exactly the type of people who are more likely to amke stupid purchases, the longer they are “trapped” inside the store

    • Bob H says:

      07:29am | 08/10/10

      IKEA is well marketed to susceptable purchasers wishing to pretend that design is important to them.  Marketing is so very cruel on the easily led.

      Reply

    • Susceptible says:

      09:22am | 08/10/10

      Oh you high and mighty person of the intelligentsia, my deepest apologies that not everyone has your free-thinking independence and ability to overlook the marketing of excellently priced flat packed furniture.

    • marley says:

      10:09am | 08/10/10

      Well now, I bought an IKEA leather lounge chair about 20 years ago in Canada.  At the time, it was all I could afford - about $200 - and it was much better value than anything else on offer in more traditional furniture stores at that price.

      These days, I can afford to buy higher end stuff (and I do) - but I still have that IKEA chair because it looks good, it’s comfortable and it’s still in near-mint condition after years of daily use and one very long trip in a container to Aus.  Now it may be that I’m easily led, or it’s just possible that I’m a good judge of value for money.

    • Roja says:

      11:57am | 08/10/10

      Huh? The design means very little to me Bob, however cheap storage solutions do.  Would never buy a couch or bed there, but have met most of my storage requirements and got my computer desk from there.  All much cheaper than the competition, with all still doing the job nicely. 

      That and I love the swedish meatballs. 

      Plus it’s the source of one of my favourite jokes… went to Ikea the other day and ordered a salad roll.  Had to assemble it myself, although at the end there was a piece of tomato left over. F**k knows what that was for…

    • Janey says:

      11:59am | 08/10/10

      What a load of bull statement.. Not everyone has the money or is in the stage of their life to buy exactly the quality they want.. so replicas at a decent price are the only option.

    • ChelseaLee says:

      12:02pm | 08/10/10

      Bob H - IKEA is well marketed to those purchasers who design is important to, although may not have the funds that someone of a high-calibre, such as youself, would have access to.

      If your head wasn’t so far up your own ass, you would probably be able to see that.

    • Lucy says:

      11:02pm | 08/10/10

      Actually Bob H, Ikea was founded upon similar principals to Bauhaus design: simple forms which can be produced at lower cost, and good quality design affordable to the masses rather than just the elite.  Bauhaus had limited success making their designs available to the masses, however Ikea has certainly succeeded in that respect (unless you live in Tasmania, where we desperately need a store).  Ikea regularly supports young and innovative designers, and stocks some really interesting objects. Your argument is really shallow and uninformed.

    • Bob H says:

      09:44am | 12/10/10

      @Lucy - IKEA is akin to Bauhaus?  I suspect you have a teatowel with the mona lisa on it, delightful.

    • AFR says:

      08:02am | 08/10/10

      I go for the $1 hot dogs.

      Reply

    • Nat says:

      08:17am | 08/10/10

      I don’t bother, but would if it was available online in Australia

      Reply

    • Ned says:

      08:19am | 08/10/10

      I’ve only been to Ikea once and after getting trapped in the maze all I wanted to do was leave but I had to follow the trail to get out. I’m never going there again.

      Reply

    • Labrat says:

      08:31am | 08/10/10

      I go for the herrings in their Scandinavian food section.

      Reply

    • John says:

      08:32am | 08/10/10

      Bob H: or for people that want new, modern looking furniture at a fraction of the cost of similar products at rival stores.

      If the products don’t last as long, you can replace the lot in 5 years time, have a modern looking home and still be better off financially.

      Reply

    • Janey says:

      12:00pm | 08/10/10

      Agree totally with this statement.. not only that but you can furnish your whole house with ease.. especially for people who don’t have time to go to various stores..

    • Nikki says:

      08:42am | 08/10/10

      Well well well, aren’t people snobby about IKEA? So Bob H, is IKEA really marketed to people who “pretend” design is important to them? Well I think it’s hilarious that pompous prats go to their “boutique” homewares stores and pay three times as much for an item identical to that you can buy in IKEA. You know, those people who squeeze juice using their Alessi juicer, then sit down on an Eames chair reading the Australian. Now that is someone to be pitied. They are sitting their congratulating themselves on how clever and stylish they are. Now that is what I call “susceptible” to what people think.

      Reply

    • Larsson says:

      11:14am | 08/10/10

      Well said, I couldn’t have put it better.

      Funnier still that so many of the products people like Bob H probably buy are actually manufactured in the same factory and just labelled differently..so who’s the susceptible one?

    • Janey says:

      12:01pm | 08/10/10

      SO true..

    • Roja says:

      12:11pm | 08/10/10

      I am curious to know what Bob H’s opinion is on the $2 and reject shops.  To me ikea is to furniture and homewares as they are to kmart and david jones. 

      Most importantly about Ikea, since they came to Adelaide the prices at their competitors have all dropped from their pre-Ikea gouging rates.  So even if you shop elsewhere, you still benefit from Ikea.

    • Super D says:

      08:45am | 08/10/10

      One of the best aspects of ikea furniture is that it has a better secondary market than other brands.  You can find what you want on the ikea website or in store then head over to ebay and often find it there as well - often closer than the store and usually already assembled.  Not that I mind the assembling, its like lego for grownups.

      Reply

    • Lee says:

      03:29pm | 08/10/10

      But lego is for grown ups!

    • mal says:

      08:47am | 08/10/10

      Eerything in IKEA is so tacky and tasteless, i dispise this retailer. Addtionally it is a huge slap in the face to shoppers who go in their for one thing, but are confronted with the one way only to exit which forces you to travel the entire length of the shop through every section.  IKEA go to hell.

      Reply

    • Deb says:

      09:26am | 08/10/10

      Geez Mal, take a chill pill buddy. No one is forcing you to go there. I myself like the european look for a fraction of the price than any other retailer. People need to stop being so petty.. ohhhhh its like a maze, i couldnt get out…. Big deal. Keep walking FORWARD to the exit. Cry me a river…

    • Tomas says:

      09:52am | 08/10/10

      BTW in every section are at least 2 “exits” or shortcuts so you can et out pretty quick and always you can turn around and go back! But you need a brain!!!!! You people are soo dumm!!! Sooo dumm! Sorry for that but you really are!!!! Just use your brains if have any!!!

    • AdamC says:

      10:42am | 08/10/10

      Tomas, did you misspell the word ‘dumb’?

      That’s quite funny ...

    • Reid Wright says:

      12:18pm | 08/10/10

      I am amazed at how many people get lost in Ikea. Maybe we should suggest Ikea provide minders to hold the hands of these people. It is a one way road, you follow the arrows. If you want to leave early take the next exit alley. It’s not the Labyrinth. WARNING: you may have to walk an extra 30 meters to find this mysterious alley. 30 meters! i hear you say, with a mouth full of Swedish meatballs and $1 hot dog.

    • ibast says:

      12:33pm | 08/10/10

      Bollocks.  Even the quick exits just direct you into a different part of the maze.  The place is a fire hazard.  The good news is that because the stuff is made of such light weight and thin timber, the fire would be over very quickly.

    • Inciteful says:

      04:33pm | 08/10/10

      Well the stuff that isn’t tacky and tasteless is just plain boring. What puts me off the most is that almost every table or storage unit they make is flimsy to the point it’s almost a wobble board. Guess that’s why Ikea is known in it’s home country (Sweden) as the preferred store for cash-strapped kids moving out of home for the first time. It’s just euro-fascinated w—nkers downunder who actually think its something special…

    • marley says:

      08:13am | 09/10/10

      @inciteful - IKEA markets itself here in much the same way as it does everywhere else - it’s inexpensive basic furniture for those who don’t have a lot of money and don’t like curlicues or table legs with the girth of Henry VIII.  I seriously doubt that anyone who buys IKEA thinks it’s anything more than “starter” furniture, whether they’re in Europe or Australia. 

      But, every now and then, you do come across a piece (like my lounge chair) that is in fact well designed, well built and very good value for money.  And frankly, that’s more than I can say for a lot of products, European and Australian, on the market today.

    • Notorious says:

      09:03am | 08/10/10

      I don’t want cheap and nasty things in my house (by choice, I do have some out of necessity) and I find that the good quality IKEA stuff is actually just as expensive if not more costly then other retailers who sell the same better quality merchandise.

      I will point out that this is just an opinion and I have no fact to back this claim up smile (trying to start a trend here)

      Reply

    • Mr Pastry says:

      09:25am | 08/10/10

      @Notorious, like the trend idea but it is a blog and your trend is implied. It is all opinion, of no substance, has no research behind it and quite often looney.  Just like journalism but more fun to read.

    • The Dark Knight says:

      11:58am | 08/10/10

      A little research does indeed go along way.  The novelty value of IKEA is what seems to trap people inside, as well as the assumption that there is a bargain to be had. There are “some” bargains, but overall the cost is quite high compared to the quality presented.

          A few people have already pointed out that better quality goods can be purchased elsewhere for practically the same price, if not cheaper. It’s a damn shame that IKEA are getting a lot of the business which smaller local retailers are missing out on. ( Not in reference to the ‘Honey pot effect’).
          On topic though, the kebab shop in the food court at Rhodes make THE best Kebab i have had, except for maybe the Kebab shop across from Arncliffe train station.  Peace!!!!

    • Zeta says:

      09:19am | 08/10/10

      This is alarmingly true. I bought all my furniture from Ikea when I moved - an entertainment unit, kitchen island, bar stools, book shelves and an office desk as well as all that weird little stuff you forget you need. Like ice cube trays. And tea towels. And all that shit I didn’t need. Like the towels named after Vikings. In total it cost less than just one book shelf from another retailer who shall remain nameless.

      But when it came time to buy an office chair I went upscale because I sit in it for a very, very long time while I write Unabomber style rants to mail to local authorities. And I bought it from another store not far from the Rhodes Ikea.

      Damn it now I’m another one of Deutche Bank’s statistics.

      Reply

    • Vicki PS says:

      09:27am | 08/10/10

      Well, now we know what brings the poseurs and nouveu riche crawling out of their nest of rolled-up banknotes like nothing else—it’s the smell of a Swedish meatball on a cheap, nasty, tacky Dinera plate!

      (P.S. For the notoriously cartographically-impaired male IKEA shoppers out there, read the signs and use the shorcuts.  Simple, really).

      Reply

    • Jen says:

      10:29am | 08/10/10

      @Vicki, you open up a whole new debate by implying that only men get lost in the maze-like stores.  It’s not fair to be offended by sexist (intentional or not) comments against women if you then go and make them against men.

      I’m making rather sweeping assumptions here myself.  But, the sentiment is valid for many people reading, if not for you.

    • Joolz says:

      01:33pm | 08/10/10

      I can get lost in my own suburb, but I never seem to get lost in shops. Why is that? Or do I get lost but don’t care because I can do something apart from swear at the lack of street signs.

    • Daniel says:

      09:39am | 08/10/10

      I cant get enough of IKEA. Its european designer without exhorbitant price tags.

      Reply

    • AdamC says:

      10:10am | 08/10/10

      But it doesn’t look ‘European designer’, does it? To me it looks ‘IKEA’.

      I’ve never heard anyone say:
      “Wow, is that Natuzzi?”
      “No, IKEA.”
      “Haha, you nearly had me there, you cheeky devil.”

    • Hayden says:

      10:52am | 08/10/10

      Do you not shop anywhere else?  It is overpriced.  If you live in Europe/US/Canada it is very cheap, 1/4 of the price here which is fine paying for well-designed chip board.  But when the chip-board is $800 I think to myself, why not get the same thing for $1000 elsewhere where it will be made of timber and last more than 2-3 years.  They are getting ahread of their market price-wise.

    • ibast says:

      12:38pm | 08/10/10

      It doesn’t seem European designer to me.  It’s all made from lightweight timber something akin to balsa wood.  It should be 1/4 of the price when you consider the cost of my labour to it together.  Even then I wouldn’t be happy with the cheap looking eyesore in my house.

    • Vicki PS says:

      04:59pm | 08/10/10

      @AdamC:  Funnily enough, IKEA does look “European designer” to me, maybe because, hmm, it’s designed in Europe?  Crazy thought.

      You know, I reckon I’ve heard quite a few people say:
      “Wow, is that Natuzzi?”
      “No, it’s a sofa, you wanker.”

      (By the way, I wonder how Natuzzi manages to make expensive furnishings look so cheap and blancmange-y?)

    • jon says:

      06:22am | 09/10/10

      its not designer, its made in china and its not that cheap for what it is. ever built something from ikea and then felt slightly hollow at having paid what you just did for 4 crappy bits of timber and a second rate piece of stretched vinyl?? I live in sweden and thankfully there are heaps of competitors at similair price points now, however none of them have as good a marketing ability as the original, and i guess the paer of the secret to that is the place doesn’t lie to you or pretend to be something else. walk into ikea and you will have the opportunity to buy alot of stuff you may or may not need that looks ok and is probably a bit cheaper than something quite similair masqeruading as premium or high end.

    • AdamC says:

      10:17pm | 09/10/10

      Um, Vicki, blancmange is an English custard dessert.

    • Kate says:

      09:52am | 08/10/10

      So IKEA acts like an anchor tennant in a mall drawing in customers that then go shop at the small stores around it. Anything that helps the small guy. BTW - I love King of Knives - my first really “good” knife came from there. It made me feel like such a grown up buying it. Good post Edmund.

      Reply

    • Matthew says:

      09:57am | 08/10/10

      My Fiance and I decided to “duck in” to Ikea Logan a few months ago to buy a birthday present… it was supposed to take only 5 minutes but turned what could only be described as a 45 minute odyssey.

      We tried back tracking, we tried short cuts, we tried going backwards up the escalator, we tried everything. We even ended up in their cafeteria (albiet awesome soul food) twice. so we gave up and had bangers and mash. All I can draw from this experience is one piece of valuable advice, if your going to Ikea, ware a good pair of walking shoes and give into their agenda making sure you walk by every home decoration possibility. New home decoration ideas will spring to mind, you will want things you never thought you wanted, endless possibilities…

      But never ever try and duck in for a few minutes to pick up a special thing for Aunty Mildred!

      Reply

    • AdamC says:

      09:59am | 08/10/10

      I have never found the IKEA value proposition that compelling, really. At least not when it comes to the furniture itself, which is the core offering. The pieces usually look much cheaper than they really are and, in the Australian furniture market, you can usually get discounts on much nicer stuff that puts it at a similar price point.

      I think IKEA has done an excellent marketing job to convince people to pay a mid-market price for down-market items that have a particular ‘IKEA’ look. And there is no value-add like delivery or a pleasant retail experience.  I even find the local IKEA knock-off, Freedom Furniture, has better stuff and a nicer store format.

      IKEA only comes into its own when you are looking for household knick-knacks, cookware and the like. But then you have to circumnavigate the whole place ...

      PS, where did they get that photo of the couple from?

      Reply

    • randomscrub says:

      10:15am | 08/10/10

      didn’t marx talk about this phase of capitalism? that goods would become affordable for the majority?

      the outright rejection of IKEA and the tone used by some commenters makes me laugh. middle class pretensions ARE generally laughable.

      clearly there is a demand in the marketplace for IKEA products which is really the only relevant point. their products serve a function and are not particularly odious from a societal point of view.

      when they start manufacturing chipboard and laminate tanks (TJANK) i will start to get worried ...

      Reply

    • someonereallyminimalistic says:

      10:30am | 08/10/10

      Funny that people get paranoid if they enter an IKEA store…and after IKEA they go in one of the mega malls…
      What’s worth?

      Reply

    • Sarah says:

      10:42am | 08/10/10

      its really not hard to get through IKEA quickly, use the maps! seriously, they show you how to get to what you want to buy and then get out quickly. Its only hard if you are sheeple and follow the crowd and the arrows on the ground…
      I love to just go straight to the homewares bit and buy kitchen gadgets!

      Reply

    • Rick Masters says:

      10:43am | 08/10/10

      IKEA utilizes the “maze” as a marketing tool. It’s how they show you how all their products come together in a range or style. They’ve been doing this for years, it’s very successful and generations of people before us have gone throught their store without a problem.
      I think everyone who goes to IKEA knows what to expect. If you don’t like it, order online or shop somewhere else.
      Some people just really need to grow a pair and be thankful you even live in a place where you have the freedom of choice.

      Reply

    • Laura says:

      10:52am | 08/10/10

      i recently needed to purchase a new bed, and IKEA was the only place i could get a first-hand, affordable bed that didn’t look like it belongs in the spare room at Kath and Kim’s house.

      i will admit waiting in line for 40 minutes to purchase items on a Sunday afternoon does take the monkey shine out of it

      Reply

    • Henty says:

      11:45am | 08/10/10

      I love IKEA. So many ideas. Such affordability. I can spend my whole weekend there if they allow me to camp overnight. I love the maze effect too - one euphoria to another!

      Reply

    • jb says:

      11:49am | 08/10/10

      How many times have you vowed never to return to Ikea and then found yourself trawling around in a daze? Firstly you have to put the chipboard and screws together, then after a short time it falls apart by itself and you have to stuff it in the car and take it to the tip. I now drive around on tip day looking for old furniture made by a carpenter that I can fix up.

      Reply

    • Narrator says:

      11:50am | 08/10/10

      You buy furniture, you tell yourself, this is the last sofa I will ever need in my life. Buy the sofa, then for a couple of years you’re satisfied that no matter what goes wrong, at least you’ve got your sofa issue handled, then the right set of dishes, then the perfect bed. The drapes. The rug.
      Then you’re trapped in your lovely nest, and the things that you used to own, now they own you.

      Reply

    • Lisa says:

      11:53am | 08/10/10

      Remember what life was like before IKEA? 

      If you wanted something inexpensive for your home you went to K Mart and it only came in overly ornate mock antique with a crafty rose design? 

      Hail IKEA for giving me decent looking stuff at a good price. 

      And thanks for making all the other discount retailers lift their game.

      Reply

    • DavidG says:

      11:55am | 08/10/10

      Made my first visit to IKEA. It will be my last.
      The only thing I wanted they did not carry in stock and there was a three day wait. Wasted a 300Km drive…

      Reply

    • Marco says:

      12:45pm | 08/10/10

      Wherever you live, does it happen to have, oh I dunno….a TELEPHONE? I could be onto something here, but there is a faint possibility you could of called them to check whatever item you wanted was in stock before you drove 300km.

      Honestly…

    • Clare says:

      01:14pm | 08/10/10

      They can tell you if they have something in stock but can’t hold it for you so it might not be there when you arrive, and half the time their systems are wrong anyway.

    • Joolz says:

      12:03pm | 08/10/10

      I love Ikea, but was freaked out when I saw Fight Club. I could be that guy. I’m not, I clearly don’t have a split personality disorder and aspirations of being Brad Pitt, but I do keep the catalogue and refer to it more often than I do the yellow pages.

      Reply

    • ebay guy says:

      12:16pm | 08/10/10

      IKEAS is cheap rubbish - i see the same broken ikea bookshelfes, coffee tablles and lounge chair be thrown out on the footpath every year.

      Those complaining about a lack of busget option - try this - EBAY

      As much as i hate ebay, i got a $600 leathercouch for $6, a $200 table and chair set for $11, and my 2.1KW air conditioner for $31.

      They might not be “brand new in packets”, but i know none of it is cheap nasty customwood (like all of ikeas stuff) that will fall aprt next time i move it.

      Only suckers pay retail.

      Reply

    • LOL says:

      08:30am | 10/10/10

      Emm how much did you pay for the delivery? Or did you have to drive 300km each to pick them up for the items you mentioned? The couch might be $6 but all the ‘hidden’ costs you didn’t mention far outweighs the price you got on eBay. At least I know the couch I got from Ikea, no one has farted on it before, regurgitated on it, transferred bodily fluids on it or even secret nesting for tiny bugs that come feed on you while you are watching the TV.

    • scott the realist says:

      12:19pm | 08/10/10

      Some things are cheap and worth it but in the majority it is rubbish build quality, and poor materials that you can get for similar or cheaper elsewhere without the queue.

      Reply

    • Kalpesh says:

      12:55pm | 08/10/10

      we public shouldn’t complain as we need more compitition to reduce prices not local domination, and you know our own companies were ripping off since ages..e.g after ALDI you can see our woolies and coles prices are going down..

      Reply

    • Gracie says:

      01:10pm | 08/10/10

      Can’t believe there is so much love for lightweight chipboard furniture out there.  I blame home maker over shows for lowering of interior standards, an IKEA chest of drawers with a sponge print over it…..hmmm beautiful.

      Reply

    • marley says:

      07:10pm | 08/10/10

      Ah yes.  The next time you’re in a non-IKEA furniture store, and fall in love with a bedroom suite or a set of tables at a few thousand bucks, ask what they’re actually made of - you’d be surprise how much of your lovely furniture is actually veneer on pine.

      Nothing wrong with that of course, and veneer has a long and venerable history.  But don’t sneer at IKEA because they do veneer on birch at half the price.

    • Clare says:

      01:10pm | 08/10/10

      I made the mistake of trying to go to IKEA at Rhodes on this long weekend just passed - not once, but TWICE! On the Saturday I drove around the carpark looking for somewhere to park for half an hour before I gave up.  It was gridlocked! Then on the Monday I went back for more punishment. I ordered what I wanted at the store (a replacement cover for my lounge) and was told I would have to pick it up in the warehouse a five minute drive away. Got to the warehouse, was told the product was not in stock (the store’s system had said they had 17 in stock!) then was told if I wanted a refund I would have to drive back to the store again (NOOOOO! I cannot face that carpark again) as the warehouse didn’t have the facilities to process a refund. 
      So, I drove over 30 minutes each time to get to Ikea, spent over $300 and have nothing to show for it.  They said they will mail it to me, but whatever. There has got to be a better way. I feel like an idiot for wasting my long weekend.

      Reply

    • Cookie says:

      01:11pm | 08/10/10

      Ikea are the Apple of the furniture world, except Apple provides a better product.  I have lost count of the number of times friends have bought tacky looking furniture from there.  It does service a need in the market but be under no illusion that it is high quality stuff.  Convenient and useful yes but there is far better stuff elsewhere.

      Reply

    • Sam Chowder says:

      01:19pm | 08/10/10

      Having read all the posts, I have learned that IKEA is a great place to eat.

      Reply

    • Peter says:

      01:20pm | 08/10/10

      Once upon a time IKEA might have been worth while but now it’s cheap shit made in China just like the stuff you can get at Cheap As Chips but at twice the cost.

      Reply

    • Wendy says:

      01:22pm | 08/10/10

      I still have Ikea stuff from the 70s (Europe) and have continued to buy very selectively in Australia. I only buy solid wood furniture items. Otherwise, I might buy a lampshade here, an accessory there - never a whole heap of stuff, a ‘line’ or a ‘system’. Their bed linen is great. I do research on line, go with a list, ask an assistant where the items are located and get in and out fast before the eyes glaze over and the brain is hijacked by the choice and the maze.  One bad thing - the checkout at Rhodes, Sydney has become a nightmare - definitely needs improving.
      Furniture prices are extortionate in Australia and Ikea provides wonderfully-designed pieces at a price that the normal working person can afford.

      Reply

    • Angela says:

      01:51pm | 08/10/10

      What you should be all asking yourself is why buy Australian Made that is way to expensive and doesn’t last as long, good on IKEA, not only is the dude a billionaire for making home furnishing that is not gross to look at but most of it is cheap, if you wants to add a more expensive brand so be it, those that say things about IKEA either paid to much or are just plain jealous LOL.

      PS: IKEA gave us a great new idea for a wall book-shelving system we build it out selves at that other great material place Bunnings, being a snob is so outdated people.

      Reply

    • once bitten.. says:

      02:06pm | 08/10/10

      Like the stores, like the Swedish food in the cafeteria, the furniture looks great, but alas, it all falls apart in 2 to 3 years..

      Reply

    • Eno The Wonderdog says:

      02:46pm | 08/10/10

      I personally love Ikea - lots of really good ideas and since it’s flat packed you can figure out how to DIY if you fancy.

      Reply

    • ?? says:

      04:21pm | 08/10/10

      speak for yourself. i hate the cheap-ar$e stuff.

      Reply

    • Dazza says:

      05:15pm | 08/10/10

      All our furniture is from charity stores and the side of the road. I couldn’t be happier. It was cheap or free and of good quality as its from generations past (must be everyone “upgrading” to the over priced low quality IKEA furniture). I couldn’t stand my house looking like an IKEA catalogue. I like my mismatched furniture with character. Its all solid wood items (which is rare these days) and I know it will all last a lifetime. I can’t stand the overpriced junk they sell at IKEA or any of the other places for that matter (Fantastic Furniture, Super Amart etc). Its just something to sit on or eat at for gods sake!!

      Reply

    • stephen says:

      11:11am | 09/10/10

      You mean you didn’t pay fer anything ?
      (Mate if i see a bloke at the pub with splinters in his elbows argueing that beers’ free on Tuesdays, you kin buy me one, as long as i don’t have ter sit down.)

    • Katie says:

      02:30pm | 09/10/10

      I have an aversion against most of the IKEA stuff. It’s poor quality and rather expensive for the crap you’re getting. To be honest I find the stuff at Fantastic Furniture to be hardier and cheaper. I got a complete dining and living set from there for $2200 and it was solid timber and classy with leather 2 and 3 seat sofas. I really think IKEA is brainwashing everyone!

      Reply

    • DIY deano says:

      06:46pm | 10/10/10

      We just renovated our bathroom.  New double basin and four draw vanity, cabinets, mirror, lighing and tapware. Total cost was $1650 and was a one stop shop. The quality of all is great. We looked at plumbing/bathroom shops where the average price for a double basin and vanity was around $1500. If you do your research and know your prices, Ikea ticks lots of boxes. Always worth a look.

      Reply

    • Hendrik says:

      08:13am | 12/10/10

      So many haters here. How many of you were prodded through the doors by men holding towel racks wearing blue and yellow overalls?

      IKEA served the purpose perfectly for me when i moved into my new place. Bed, desk, lamp and storage boxes for $600…

      And to the people who say its not well styled, isn’t style subjective? You guys are at a loss with yourselves.

      Reply

    • Lew says:

      03:50pm | 14/10/10

      I have noted that my local K-mart no longer has much in the way of furniture - hmm same prices at Ikea and nicer looking for the same standard, and better service .
      Ikea at least has provided a nicer looking alternative to the horrible dark wood grain stuff K-Mart and Cheap As Chips used to stock. And if you have an issue you can at least take it back within 90 days or they will find the right part for you without a problem if its only a part problem. Try that at Cheap As Chips or even K-mart.
      Also flat packing means you can fit a lot of things in the small hatchback compared to already assembled stuff.
      Its not for everyone but hey it worked for us in the UK. Outfitted the house at the one place cheaply and quickly so that we could just give away the stuff to the neighbours when we left.

      Reply
 
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