6 IKEA Shopping Secrets We Learned from an Insider, Including Sections Not to Skip
Abbey Stark knows IKEA better than just about anyone. Currently the interior design leader at IKEA U.S., Stark has moved up with the company for 20 years.
Her career path within everyone’s favorite Swedish brand has included designing retail store environments, developing creative direction, and launching the IKEA Interior Design Service for business and residential customers—and that’s just for starters.
“It has been a journey I could never have dreamed of,” Stark says. “It has brought me many creative opportunities through innovation and leadership in interior design while cultivating amazing friendships around the globe.”
Stark’s insider IKEA knowledge can’t be beaten—that’s why we tapped her to answer our hard-pressed questions about the retailer. What's the best time to shop to avoid a shopping cart traffic jam? Which section has the best deals?
Read on for Stark’s advice, as well as a handful of her favorite products—a tall order, considering IKEA carries nearly 10,000 products at any given time.
Meet the Expert
Abbey Stark is the interior design leader at IKEA U.S. and owns her own firm, Abbey Stark Design.
What is the Best Time of Day to Shop at IKEA?
Assuming you’d rather not be playing bumper cars with fellow shoppers’ carts, Stark suggests visiting IKEA stores on Tuesday or Sunday evenings to avoid the crowds.
Those times tend to be quieter, so you can explore in person without a traffic jam, either in the parking lot or checkout line.
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Which Section Should You Not Skip?
Stark cannot emphasize enough how much she loves the lighting department (perhaps this is because of her one-time dream to become a lighting designer).
“I can get lost in this area of the store,” Stark says. “I love using statement lighting in my design work, so I am always looking for something new and inspiring.”
What is the Best Time of Year to Shop at IKEA?
For Stark, spring is the ultimate time of year to replenish your home with IKEA goods—that’s when the new summer products arrive in store.
Think of items like outdoor furniture, colorful produce bags for the farmers market, and garden-worthy plant pots. Each is a welcome sight in spring, especially if you live in a climate with long, dreary winters.
“It’s bright, happy, and I am always inspired to refresh my home for my favorite time of year, summer,” Stark says.
Which Section Has the Best Deals?
Did you know IKEA has a department called “As-Is”? Stark begs you not to forget about this section. It features items that have been discontinued, gently used, or even ex-showroom displays.
They may be slightly used, but each item has been thoroughly inspected to ensure functionality and safety. Plus, you can't beat the products' reduced prices.
“You can find some great treasures,” Stark says.
Shopping Tip
To make shopping even easier, As-Is Online lets you browse what’s in the As-Is department at your local store and reserve the item you want to purchase.
Which Products Should You Not Wait to Buy?
Look for limited collections throughout the year, says Stark. Innovative new product collections drop for only a limited amount of time, so don’t keep any product sitting in your online cart for too long. They tend to sell out quickly.
Stark is currently loving the TESAMMANS limited collection. This new drop features furniture, textiles, tableware, and more with unexpected color combinations and graphic shapes. In other words, it's fun.
What Are Stark's Personal Favorite Products?
SEKTION Kitchen System
“The SEKTION kitchen system is beautiful, functional, and customizable! I love the minimal design aesthetic while offering extreme organization.”
KOLBJORN Indoor/Outdoor Cabinet
“I have three of these cabinets because they are perfect for storing pots, gardening tools, and cushions for outdoors.”
BAGGBODA Side Table
“Just cool. I love anything that is ‘70s inspired—a little bit of glam and fun to be had in any home.”
FRÖSET Chair
“I love the organic shape and the simplicity of this chair.”
SKÅLBODA Armchair
“I love an accent chair. I have a slight addiction of collecting them with no location to place them in my home.”
DEJSA Table Lamp
“Beautiful. Enough said.”
Read Next: 18 IKEA Greenhouse Cabinet Hacks You Should Know
Read the original article on The Spruce.
