Yes, I had never been to an IKEA store. I just never lived anywhere near one so now that I had the chance I thought I would see what all the fuss was about. I can see why they are so popular. Their products are clean, simple, neutral and priced right.

Everything about the store is well designed to sell. They draw you in with the smell of cinnamon rolls and offer free child care so you won't be distracted. The layout is designed to make sure you don't miss seeing anything you might want to purchase. Products are shown in ideal, aspirational settings. Even the shelf displays make the most basic of products look special.

The quality is not amazing but they have fun things that would be nice to try for awhile and I wouldn't feel bad about throwing out later. I particularly enjoyed their lighting and organizational systems.