Started in 1943 by 17 year old Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA has grown to become the world’s largest furniture retailer. The name is an acronym for the founder’s initials, plus Elmtaryd (the farm where he grew up), and Agunnaryd (his hometown in Southern Sweden). The stores are massive, have nearly everything one would need to furnish a home, and many of its wares need to be assembled by the purchaser.
As of January 1 of this year, the company operates 349 stores in 43 countries around the world, generating over $23 billion in sales annually. Media reports have speculated that IKEA is the world’s largest consumer of wood.
Many of the stores feature one or two cafes, both self-serve style, one with complete meals of a Swedish influence, the other featuring hot to go snacks at bargain prices.
You can drop off your rugrats at the front door at their in-house daycare center, and stop for a bite to eat halfway through your excursion, in case you just can’t make it another step without eating some meatballs and lingonberries.
The foodatorium near the exit is in the midst of a mini-grocery featuring Swedish foods; in addition to frozen meatballs, you’ll find all manner of fish products, and berry spreads, among other choices. The ‘to go’ counter has bulk cinnamon rolls, hot dogs, and pizza slices, featuring “meal deals”. For a little more than a couple bucks, you can get two hot dogs and a soda, for instance. Yogurt cups and cones are also available. Once again, IKEA figures they have to take care of customers, and sells these snacks so you have enough energy to get to your car miles away in the massive parking lot.
I haven’t been in to an IKEA for quite awhile, tho Mrs Burgerdogboy and I used to enjoy an outing on occasion. We purchased kitchenware from time to time, and a couple of those giant repro prints they feature. I especially liked one we picked up that was a shot from Amsterdam, and it reminded me of a past Valentine’s Day excursion we took to the land of tulips.
I stopped in the store today because I needed a kitchen tool I knew they would have, and grabbed a slice on the way out; like the hot dogs, the pizza combo offers a slice and soda for a little more than $2.00.
It’s a heavy on the cheese and herb affair, not bad, not great. I almost couldn’t choke it down after the guy in line in front of me squirted about a quart of ketchup on his. Ugh.
Hot dogs solo are often just 50 cents. Worth a trip in, if you skip the store, and go right from the entrance to the snack shop by the exit. You can make your Swedish grocery shopping list online before you make the trek.
IKEA Pizza