Donna’s Deals: 8 Secrets to Shopping at IKEA

ikea middle tennessee
photo from IKEA

When we learned the news that IKEA will be coming to Nashville, avid shoppers rejoiced. So, we thought we would get a head start on secrets to shopping at IKEA. Until the Nashville location opens, you may have a trip scheduled to the nearby IKEA stores in Memphis or Atlanta. Check out these tips we found over at House Beautiful before you head out on your next road trip or the family vacation that involves a slight detour toward the blue and yellow building.

1. Skip the marketplace

No, you don’t have to weave through the maze that is IKEA’s marketplace to find your new desk in the warehouse. Instead, you can make your shopping list online, then print it off and skip ahead to the boxes and check out line.

2. Shop without impatient kids

Anyone can drop their kids off at SmÃ¥land (aka daycare) for a free hour. And when you’re an IKEA Family member, you get an extra 30 minutes on top of that, which hopefully means you can avoid waiting in a long check-out line with tired youngsters.

3. Score free coffee or tea

Shopping at IKEA is not for the faint of heart, which is why a little (okay, a lot) of caffeine is necessary. Family members get a free hot beverage of their choice every time they visit.

4. Take advantage of big sales

About three or four times a year, IKEA throws a kitchen sale where shoppers can get up to 20% off. Curious about when the next one will take place? Check your local IKEA website to stay in loop.

5. Use 90-day price protection

Nothing’s more frustrating than realizing the cabinets you just bought are on sale. But IKEA Family members are entitled to a refund on the difference if they notify the store within 90 days and still have their receipt.

6. Snag a moving discount

IKEA understands moving is expensive. That’s why they have a program where you can get a $25 discount on a $250 purchase when dealing with this major life change. When you sign up you’ll also receive shopping lists, checklists and inspiration boards from the store.

7. Make returns in the morning

The best way to dodge long lines when bringing an item back to IKEA is to beat the crowd and show up when the doors open. This will help you avoid waiting behind people with more complicated issues to discuss — like broken furniture pieces (the worst!).

8. Have missing parts mailed to you

If you realize you’re one screw short while making your coffee table, you don’t have to travel all the way back to the warehouse to get a replacement. All you have to do is call your local store and they’ll mail it directly to your doorstep.