Inside the kids area- it was full of fun things!
I always get overwhelmed in IKEA. It’s just a whole world of possibilities and so many pretty things to look at. So much furniture to try. So many different options for simple things. Need pillows for your couch? They have HUNDREDS.
So when I got a sneak peak at the new IKEA opening in Norfolk, VA on April 10th I had no idea how to take pictures. Everything is beautiful, everything is clean and everything has limitless potential. People with a good eye could create beauty and people like me, with no eye, can just steal the plans directly off the floor of the store. They even have specific employees to help you design.
So I did the best I could to try to give you some idea of what is at IKEA. I just took a ton of pictures and I hope you enjoy!
They also fed me. So if you are interested in the food check out A Sneak Peak at the new Norfolk IKEA Part One: The Food.
The Prices Really Are Low
There is just something about walking into the store and the first display being something you like a few dollars cheaper than you usually see it. These lanterns were beautiful and $3.99 was less than I would have expected!
This rug was beautiful and HUGE. I thought $30 was a great price and there is a smaller size for a lower price tag.
All their Children’s Eating Products have no BPA added. These little plates were a steal at $2.49 for a six pack. They also had cups to match!
This chart is one of my family’s favorite products from IKEA. Their glass storage containers for food. They have tons of sizes and the glass is much better for heating food than the plastic stuff regularly used. Plus you can buy them one at a time- most other places to get a good deal you need to buy a set.
Look at all those pillows for $3.99!
And more pillows. (A few people had asked about pillows.)
Want Outdoor Stuff? They have a TON in the Norfolk location.
Believe it or not IKEA sent people to Norfolk to see how we live before they stocked the store. And they discovered we love to live outside. When I asked my readers what they wanted me to look for at the store most said “outdoor furniture.” Well it was EVERYWHERE and as someone who has been shopping for patio furniture the prices are FANTASTIC.
This is the first display you see when you walk in the door!
I thought this little set would be perfect for an apartment balcony or small space. The chairs are $15 each and I believe the table was around $20.
Everything you see here can be bought at IKEA. I love what they did with the boxes at different heights and the plants.
They had some nicer outdoor seats as well with pillows and couches! And you can try everything!
I liked these three chair options as well!
This table and chairs is what I think I will get for my place. The table can fold out to twice the length you see here- it either seats two or four people but doesn’t have to use all the room. The table was $89 and the chairs are $28 each!
They have a Child Watch Area!
Yep. That’s a giant clog. I’m sitting in a giant clog.
I hesitate to call this child care because it’s not for the super little ones- your toddler isn’t likely to be eligible. It’s for older kids a little more capable of taking care of themselves. Children must be between the height of 37″ and 54″ and be toilet trained. No bare feet are allowed so be sure to bring socks. They use a sticker system apparently so don’t lose it.
When our tour guide was asked about who would be watching the kids (as far as qualifications go) she said all she knew for sure was that they would be CPR and First Aid certified. I have e-mailed my contact to ask about back ground checks etc on the workers.
They have a GIANT red ball pit. And since no kids had been playing in it I decided to try it and make sure it worked. Turns out it’s very effective. It was really fun.
I LOVE The Mock Spaces
One of my favorite things about IKEA are their mini houses and spaces. If you have never been in an IKEA it’s hard to imagine. They take a small apartment (basically) and fill it with everything you could possibly need from IKEA. They show you how to maximize a really small space and make it work for you.
This is the bathroom back to the closet in this mini-apartment.
The master bedroom and storage.
The front of that storage area with bunk beds and more storage!
And outside each is a price list of how much it would cost to do everything inside!
They have probably 20 of these spaces set up. The smallest I saw was about 450 square feet and the largest just over 1000. It really gives you a complete picture of how you can make things fit.
Here Are the Other Pictures:
I need a new couch and the selection was crazy. Our guide told us that they could personalize almost anything so you could mix and match materials and other elements.
I thought this little vanity was adorable.
You can basically personalize shelves and entertainment centers. Pick the size of things, make sure your things fit!
I just loved these cabinets and countertops.
That organization made me happy.
Pretty clean lines.
It’s a DOUBLE silverware drawer so no space is wasted!
They didn’t forget about the kids.
Or the pets.
This rug is made of recycled water bottles. It is SO SOFT!
It took us about two hours to walk the store and I was only looking for an overall impression. My first visit I will probably set aside four hours between eating and shopping!
If you are interested in attending the store opening here is the info for you:
Customers can begin to line up outside the store at 5:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 10. Entertainment for customers waiting in line will start at 6:00 a.m. ET, followed by the grand opening ceremony at 8:15 a.m. ET. Doors will officially open at 9:00 a.m. ET. Customers can learn more about the grand opening plans and promotions at IKEA-USA.com/Norfolk or by joining the free IKEA FAMILY loyalty program.
Activities and giveaways include:
IKEA Welcome
- The first 200 children (12 & younger) in line receive a free FAMNIG heart-shaped soft toy, valued at $4.99.
• The first 1,000 adults (18 & older) in line receive a special “welcome” gift.
IKEA Welcome Sweepstakes
- On Grand Opening Day, visitors in line before 8:00 a.m. ET will be entered for a chance to win one of three (3) gift cards, valued at $500, $1,500 and $2,000.i
IKEA FAMILY $250 Gift Card Giveaway
· Visitors who join IKEA FAMILY in-store or scan their IKEA FAMILY card in-store at an IKEA FAMILY kiosk or tablet will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of twenty $250 IKEA Gift Cards through the IKEA FAMILY loyalty program.
IKEA Norfolk Offer
- IKEA FAMILY members – use your IKEA FAMILY card between Wednesday, April 10 and Sunday, April 21 and spend a minimum of $125, and you will receive a coupon for $20 off next purchase of $100 or more. Must opt-in to receive IKEA FAMILY emails to receive offer.
