Anyone been to IKEA since the lockdown ended?
What is the experience like? Google doesn't have an activity level.
Posted Feb 22, 2021, 3:20 PM UTC
1657
Went Saturday to return stuff bought online....
Had a line up outside - then a line up inside to get to elevator - and then line up at return counter.
Took about 1 hour to get through.
40
Good to know. We have a coffee table we want to return. Dreading the line. Might have to check midweek and hope it is lighter traffic than a Saturday.
8
I was this morning around 1030. Line up for returns looked pretty long - all the way downstairs, past the elevator
1
[deleted]
3
While there wasn’t a line up from outside, it seemed pretty busy inside - best bet is going during the week during a lunch break if you can. Or maybe before closing
3
[deleted]
2
[deleted]
35
[removed]
3
[deleted]
1
[removed]
2
Freedom Mobile has very limited reception. It went from 0 reception a couple of years ago to some spotty ability to send texts
1
Oh wow, I thought it was only my carrier (Videotron) that isn't able to get cell reception inside of IKEA
3
Also used this method on Sunday and it was fairly hassle-free. Arrived a bit before opening and while we had to wait in the line until doors opened, we were in and out in about 10 mins total and didn’t have to deal with crowds indoors.
2
TELUS works for me in IKEA. There's also free wifi.
1
Did a click and collect curbside pick up last Wednesday. Was stuck there for over an hour. I'm avoiding for the next few months.
12
I did a click and collect a couple weekends ago and it was fast
11
Wow! Yea I did click and collect on feb 13th and it was by far the fastest “curb side pickup” I had done to date. I was quite impressed... it was also 9am though so maybe that was a factor. I did one at Canadian tire and it was sooo slow.
7
Yeah I've done it a few times recently and it was super fast and efficient.
1
Click and collect is awful. Last time I did it (a few months ago, but apparently our experience isn't unique), I also waited over an hour. Literally for one item.
3
It worked great at the start of the lockdowns in March for me, but that last time really messed me up. I was stuck in the parking lot for an hour and 15 mins. Then got trapped in by a traffic jam of cars when trying to exit. Never again!
3
Just curious - seems like the past 3 posts had over an hour wait time.. what's the hold up? The name literally implies that you're there to "collect". Aren't time slots booked in advance?
2
I wish I knew. Timeslot was booked and I wait until receiving the confirmation email before heading over. Once there I texted the number and they reconfirmed that the order (a single item by the way) was on its way.
2
I did a click and collect Sunday. Waited 10-15 minutes. Very easy!
3
Don't go on a weekend. Go on a weeknight and it's been fine. Go closer to closing if you can swing it. Weekend had a bunch of kids running around screaming and close to capacity, weeknight was quiet and there was barely anyone.
(friend works at IKEA, and I was there on a thursday evening around 6).
10
I went Saturday. It was busy enough that they had a line outside, but we got in in under 10 minutes. This was around 4
7
[deleted]
7
Months, let's face it I work in a fourniture store and this industry is really not a priority right now.
5
everyone started remodeling and renovating during covid. lumber shortages expected to continue through 2021. good luck! you'll eventually get it!
3
You'd think that such a large scale company could scale it up a bit according to demand.
Isn't their stuff made from recycled woodchips and cardboard anyway?
2
from woodchips and sawdust but still someone has to manufacture the boards.
2
Don't worry Ikea will just increase sourcing from unregulated companies that illegally deforest Romanian/Ukranian national forests, be back to sub $30 coffee tables in no time!
For the record, I own multple Ikea coffee tables, I'm not any better, but it is a problem.
2
[deleted]
1
Me either, but it's reality unfortunately.
Ikea had a chance to address it and they played it off instead.
2
I’m waiting for one too
3
I went on Saturday around 2, waited in line for about 5-10 minutes, and it was generally ok. There was some bottle necking around the kitchen area as well as the office/desk area, but overall we were able to stay at least 6ft apart from others.
5
Well...these 3 comments together provide absolutely no help (Not that it was their fault, they provided their insight). So in summary...1 it was empty on a weekend; 2 it was busy on a weekend but not bad; 3 it was bonkers on a weekday.
4†
[deleted]
6
Fair enough. I was not crapping on people. I appreciate the insight. Just that it was funny that the 3 people's input were all over the place so hard to draw conclusions.
2
Went on Sunday. Crazy amount of people. They had staff and security guards with counters in their hands, but I strongly suspect that it was just for show.
It was way too crowded in all sections. No one respects the 2m distancing, even in the small enclosed showrooms that are clearly labeled as 2 people at a time. I suppose people are distracted by the merchandise.
Ps: Lots of things were out of stock, not even labeled as out of stock in the showroom. Basically got out with 1/4 of items we needed, after wasting time making lists and debating decoration arrangements and taking measurements. Would strongly recommend stay at home and limit yourself to what you cab get on their website for pick-up.
On another note, I was even lucky enough to witness an older lady throw a tantrum because she couldn't buy a coffee and drink it inside. Poor employee pointed out that she was able to order one to-go, but apparently that wasn't enough to satisfy her. Curiously, this didn't even happen anywhere near the canteen.
3
Was there yesterday at 4pm - no lines not to crowded. I would assume weekdays would be even slower.
2
We went last thursday for a pickup. it took a decent amount of time so we ran in for a cone. we took all the shortcuts to get there and it wasn't very busy. I woudn't go there during a weekend anytime soon... we love the pickup option for 5$ can't go wrong.
2
you will encounter the new IKEA product Delayknisk.
2
[deleted]
1
Like a zoo! and no different in costco either.
1
[deleted]
1
On a similar note, how's Costco these days?
1
I have only been to the Ogilvie Costco twice recently both times at very off peak times and there was no lineup outside, inside wasn't too busy but the problem is the shoppers and many of the staff.
If you want 6 feet of separation don't go to Costco even if it's almost empty.
People will tell you to your face you are nuts to think 6 feet of distance is important. They think breathing down your neck or in your face or with a scarf below their nose is fine.
I have been using the 2 hour delivery most of the time for Costco. Cost's more but....
3
costco nepean has been really quiet for us on weeknights. blair not so much. kanata was fine the one time I went.
people seemed to be good with personal space. way better than my experiences at superstore. YMMV.
3
The average amount of busy, all the time, even on most off peak hours.
Much busier than a regular grocery store.
2
Sounds like I'll be continuing to stay away, then. Thanks.
1
Same old Costco. Weekdays only. Try going either right when they open or close, or between 1:30 and 3:00.
Any other time, and you'll lose faith in humanity.
It's really best at about 7:00-8:00 pm.
2
Was there Saturday afternoon to do a return. Thought on the drive to “you’re crazy”, but there were only two people in line in front of me inside the store, maybe 10 min wait max. Likely better than a typical non covid Saturday.
However.... getting my ice cream on the way out was more of a wait
1
I went on Tuesday around 1pm to buy stuff. No lines to get in at the door or at the cash. A wait of about 15 minutes to get one of my items from the place where you collect orders, because it wasn't in the "grab it from the warehouse shelf yourself" area. The roads were kinda bad, so that may have factored in.
I went back on Friday around 4pm to return 2 things. No lines to get to the return area, about a 15-20 minute wait in line in the return area.
1
Yes and immediately noped outta there. Huge lineup outside and their site has fuck-all in stock.
1
One of our neighbors went after the lockdown and never returned. We have put out a missing person report and Ikea is searching for him. He was last seen eating meatballs with a big box containing a Schlumpfa sofa...just kidding.
Maybe he's in the ball room.
That’s where COVID started.
Is that where they make the missing into meatballs?
We just need to know what number they put on him.
I think he participated in the hide and seek tournament inside - he’s still winning
Relevant: http://www.scpwiki.com/scp-3008