Monday Open Thread: Colorado Joins IKEA Country

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:37:15 PM EST
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Colorado gets its first IKEA store Wednesday, and people began lining up at 9 am this morning. They will camp outside to be one of the first 38 people in line to get a $399 sofa free. Why 38? It's the 38th IKEA store in the U.S. The next hundred get an armchair.

The 415,000 square foot Swedish home furnishing store is south of Denver, in Centennial. The public is told to expect traffic delays on I-25 near the store for days after opening. 40,000 people a day are expected to visit the store during opening weekend.

Is this an amusement park or a store? Apparently, both. The best bargain may be the 99 cent breakfast of bacon and eggs, served every day.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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Monday Open Thread: Colorado Joins IKEA Country | 59 comments (59 topical)

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love IKEA (5.00 / 2) (#1)
by sj on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:45:43 PM EST

Their little cafeteria is a bargain and, while the menu is limited, it's all pretty darn tasty. And they're big on recycling.

I have lots of their furniture in my home. My favorite being the Expedit line in the black-brown. Putting it together is a b!tch, though. I put that book case together by myself (they recommend two people) and then couldn't lift it upright. I got to know my new neighbor, though, by asking for help.

My niece bought a bedframe from IKEA (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by oculus on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:53:40 PM EST

and was appalled she needed a screwdriver to assemble it. She also got to know her neighbors.

Parent

Sometimes I would (5.00 / 1) (#12)
by sj on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:01:41 PM EST

have been thrilled with a screwdriver. That little allen wrench they provide can kill your hands, lol.

Parent

Bedframe? (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by kdog on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:24:38 PM EST

Mattress on the floor, then ya don't need a boxspring:)

Parent

: Oh, to be young again... (5.00 / 4) (#24)
by shoephone on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 02:42:35 PM EST

without back problems, hip probems, knee problems...
But I remember those mattress on the floor days. Enjoy them while you can! ;-)

Parent

We've got more than a few pieces (5.00 / 3) (#7)
by Anne on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:56:25 PM EST

in our house, and after one session of putting something together, my husband said, "well, one thing's for sure...after you spend an hour putting it together, you really feel like it's yours!"

It's one of those places I have a love/hate relationship with, as I always find something to buy there that I wasn't even looking for, and somehow can't pass up!

Parent

: I'm always dragging something (none / 0) (#9)
by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:58:19 PM EST

home I didn't need

Parent

I bought my couch and loveseat (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by vml68 on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:10:44 PM EST

at IKEA. Since my dogs love to lay on the couch, I was looking for ones that came with washable slipcovers. Five years later and they are still going strong. Plus, there is the added bonus of being able to switch to fancier covers if guests are expected.

Parent

btw (none / 0) (#3)
by sj on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:48:34 PM EST

Just this last week I was wondering when the Colorado IKEA store was opening. My nephew will be happy about it. He became an IKEA fan when he was in the Air Force stationed in California.

Parent

I've been very happy with all the furniture (none / 0) (#4)
by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:49:32 PM EST

I have bought from them. When I was looking around for decent dressers for my daughter's family I shopped every furniture store nearby and I was appalled at the flaws and poor workmanship that I was supposed to overlook. So hooked the trailer up and back to Atlanta.

Parent

I IKEA in Atlanta (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:47:11 PM EST

We got our flooring at IKEA. I like it, my husband does not. They have great dressers that I have bought for the kids if you don't mind some self assembly. I'm not a good cook but because of IKEA I have great dishes :)

Oh, yeah (none / 0) (#10)
by sj on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:58:38 PM EST

Forgot about their kitchen stuff. My last apartment had the tiniest kitchen you can imagine (probably smaller than you can imagine). Incredibly I had decent cabinets but no kitchen drawers. Without IKEA kitchen wall storage accessories I don't know what I'd have done. Useful, sturdy, attractive and very reasonably priced.

Thank goodness I had the small blank wall -- and actually the little dishwasher which was the trade-off for kitchen drawers.

Parent

I love all that kitchen (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:00:53 PM EST

hanging system stuff they have if you are working with small. I've never had a need for it, but I wanted to have a need for it.

Parent

: Okay, that made me laugh (5.00 / 1) (#14)
by sj on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:06:46 PM EST

I'd like to say "I know what you mean" but I can't because I did have need. :)

Parent

At Office Depot (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:56:13 PM EST

they have handouts of a company that comes to your house and assembles unassembled furniture pretty cheap. I've used them and they're worth it. Crate and Barrel will also assemble stuff at your house that you buy there for a fairly small fee.

So does (or did) Staples (none / 0) (#35)
by gyrfalcon on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:30:08 PM EST

I went with that when I bought a huge and complex office desk from them, and it was terrific. The guy who came knew exactly, precisely what he was doing and put the whole thing together perfectly in an incredibly short time. Money very well spent, I thought.

Parent

: Next time call me.... (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by vml68 on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:46:47 PM EST

I love to assemble stuff. I can't say I'm efficient but I would do it for free!

Parent

Bought timeless, classic (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by oldpro on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:03:15 PM EST

upholstered loveseats with washable cotton slipcovers at Ikea in Seattle. Fabulous in both quality and price.

: Me too! I have the one that is in (5.00 / 1) (#17)
by vml68 on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:15:26 PM EST

the pic above.

Parent

Never been to IKEA... (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by kdog on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:14:12 PM EST

I go dumpster diving, garage sales, or hand me downs for furniture...or if all else fails, milk crates from the back of the supermarket.

What a scene at The Vibes on Friday folks...weatherman says it was 105, but the rock-n-roll heat index musta broke 120. That goodness for mist tents, a lifesaver!

F*ckin' Further man...Bob and Phil have never been tighter...I highly recommend everybody get their arse out to see them. The Beatles cover this show was "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight"...a super sweet treat.

And Tedeschi Trucks Band...wow, Derek Trucks is the best guitar player of my generation, I'm now convinced. And Susan Tedeschi's voice just hits me square in the chest...so much soul. Talk about a rock-n-roll power couple! Touring through September at least...another highly recommend.

One of the best things about such festivals is the interacting and people-watching...who nows how many tens of thousands, 105 degree scorcher, and not a word spoken in anger that I heard all day. Beautiful baby, just beautiful. God save the freaks...they have much to teach, and we have much to learn.

I've never been above a dumpster :) (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:52:12 PM EST

I love to paint crazy old furniture all sorts of wild stuff. I've run out of room though in my house. My husband can fix just about anything though if it is only going to be painted over. If wood grain doesn't matter he can fabricate just about anything that is broken if I see something interesting on the side of the road dead. Because of bed bugs though I am above anything upholstered found on the side of the road dead.

Parent

: Could I borrow him? (5.00 / 3) (#36)
by gyrfalcon on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:31:21 PM EST

He sounds incredibly useful. :-)

Parent

I like your style. Most reviewers of this (none / 0) (#19)
by oculus on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:39:09 PM EST

genre of music are pretty stuff, don't you think?

Parent

I assume... (none / 0) (#20)
by kdog on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 01:45:34 PM EST

you meant "stiff"...pro reviewers are probably reluctant to sound like fawning fans.

Parent

I meant "stuffy." Same difference. (none / 0) (#22)
by oculus on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 02:15:25 PM EST

Parent

Or maybe... (none / 0) (#37)
by kdog on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:32:21 PM EST

trying to compare to stuffy opera reviews:)

Best T-Shirt of the festival goes to....

Drugs
No
War

Kickin' myself for not buying one...went with a retro Dead T instead...shoulda splurged.

Parent

I still like (none / 0) (#38)
by jondee on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:36:33 PM EST

Just Say Know.

Parent

: Thats a goodie... (none / 0) (#40)
by kdog on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:41:30 PM EST

so jondee, what do I have to do to get you to Levon's for a Midnight Ramble 8/20? You're most welcome to crash at our nearby campsite.

Parent

I appreciate an astute classical music (none / 0) (#50)
by oculus on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 06:24:06 PM EST

critic. My fave is Martin Bernheimer. No word mincing. If he gives a positive review to an artist and/or concert, I know it is extra special.

But, perhaps because I know nothing about more "popular" music, it doesn't seem logical to me to dissect it in such detail. Not that many chords and lots of repetition in the lyrics, which I usually can't understand!

Parent

: Don't be fooled... (none / 0) (#56)
by kdog on Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 08:49:07 AM EST

there is intricacy and virtuosity in the genre, I'm just not astute enough to properly break it down...Rolling Stone critics can.
I just know what rocks my vortex and what don't:)

Parent

Second diary posted... (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by jeffinalabama on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 02:49:19 PM EST

trolling for a reader or two, and comments/suggestions/flames, too.

Here's the link (diary pimp!): (5.00 / 2) (#30)
by oculus on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:02:48 PM EST

Jeff's new diary

Parent

Have I told you lately (5.00 / 2) (#31)
by jeffinalabama on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:08:02 PM EST

I love you, Oculus? I'm going to listen to the overture to Tannhauser in your honor right now!

Parent

Or as soon as I find the CD... (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by jeffinalabama on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:09:56 PM EST

Drat!

Parent

I'm wondering about the choice of music (none / 0) (#33)
by oculus on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:12:54 PM EST

though. How about Wagner's "Siegfried's Idyll"?

Parent

: It's just my favorite (none / 0) (#34)
by jeffinalabama on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:14:43 PM EST

overture. And the CD is just a collection of overtures. I could listen to The Flying Dutchman, to go with the pirate motif...

Parent

Bonus question of the day (5.00 / 2) (#44)
by NYShooter on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 04:30:59 PM EST

Has Chris Matthews ever,

in the history of the Universe,

Has he ever, ever, ever

allowed a guest to answer a question?
(without interrupting 10 times before guest's 2'n word in his attempt to answer)

: No. Next question? (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by ruffian on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 07:27:58 PM EST

Wish my work day was this easy!

Parent

Canning green beans today (5.00 / 2) (#45)
by Zorba on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 05:00:49 PM EST

Ten jars of dilled beans, and 20 jars of regular beans. I'm tired.

can I come over (none / 0) (#46)
by observed on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 05:11:07 PM EST

for fassolia?

Parent

Come on over! (none / 0) (#47)
by Zorba on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 05:23:30 PM EST

Actually, although I've been canning regular green beans for 30 years or so, this is the first time I've tried dilled beans. I'm not much for pickles of any sort, but Mr. Z loves them, so I thought I'd give him a treat, and I had lots of dill.

Parent

: it is one of my (none / 0) (#48)
by observed on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 05:47:56 PM EST

favorite Greek dishes.

Parent

IKEA is an amusement park, (none / 0) (#8)
by lilburro on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 12:58:02 PM EST

and it is amazing.

: I agree -- our first time there (5.00 / 1) (#28)
by Towanda on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 02:52:30 PM EST

at one of the early Ikeas here, near Chicago in Schaumburg, we did not know what to expect. As we wandered to huge floor after huge floor, and as hours went by with places to eat, to sleep, etc., we started to get the giggles.
I loaded up the CRV with great buys. My spouse was stunned by my ability to absolutely, correctly gauge exactly how many great buys would fit and fill every square inch of the CRV.
That first trip was 10 years ago, and we still are using everything that we got there -- especially, at this time of year, a terrific outdoor table and chairs that survive our Northern clime, as Ikea knows it well.

Parent

Yes, but that is the stenographic press. (none / 0) (#26)
by KeysDan on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 02:44:58 PM EST

How about our Department of Homeland Security and our security? In 2009, the Department issued a report that presented the dangers of right wing extremists. But then, after complaints from the Republicans, the Administration withdrew the report--an early sign of future negotiations?

At least with Emily Litella (none / 0) (#29)
by sj on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:00:29 PM EST

we got a "never mind".

And still some people have the illusion of a "liberal press".

: Ain't it the truth. (none / 0) (#54)
by Mr Natural on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 08:47:58 PM EST

Parent

Hate Ikea (none / 0) (#39)
by ScottW714 on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:39:46 PM EST

A maze of cheap furniture that will be out of style before you reach the check out.

Spoken like someone (5.00 / 1) (#49)
by sj on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 06:22:24 PM EST

... who was dragged there kicking and screaming :)

Honestly, though, it's true that there is some cr@p. But there's so much stuff that's great.

And you have to admit, that maze thing is a clever bit of marketing.

Parent

: Ikea is a mixed bag. (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by hairspray on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 06:59:30 PM EST

Their ideas, marketing and style are wonderful. I love their model apartments with 400 to 700 sq feet of space organized with their furniture. It shows one how one can live well in small spaces with style and efficiency. We have a wonderful leather couch made with Italian leather probably in China. I love their kitchen showrooms. The only thing is that all of those cabinets are made in China. When we redid our old kitchen we went to Home Depot and got Kraft maid cupboards made in Oregon for not much more than Ikea similar stuff.

Parent
: No, Not Dragged There... (none / 0) (#60)
by ScottW714 on Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 11:12:19 AM EST

... willingly went about 5 times.
Anything of quality, is priced similarly to any other euro store. The rest is C.
Great marketing strategy if you work for Ikea, but I personally don't like being lead through a store like a rat in a maze in which the check-out is the cheese.

Parent

I just find it overwhelming (none / 0) (#53)
by ruffian on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 07:29:03 PM EST

Maybe I could get good deals on something if I could avoid the panic attack.

Parent

Let me float a name (none / 0) (#42)
by jeffinalabama on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 03:50:19 PM EST

who could possibly be convinced to primary from the left, and do so with credibility and without dirty politics. Also, someone who if the campaign got dirty, folks would rally around...

Representative John Lewis, Georgia 5th Cong. Dist.

When was the last time John Lewis (none / 0) (#43)
by me only on Mon Jul 25, 2011 at 04:28:40 PM EST

even had to campaign, 1994?

Parent

That would be quite a story of course (none / 0) (#59)
by brodie on Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 09:27:30 AM EST

if he decided he'd had enough of Obama. And it would bring him sort of full circle, after the unfortunate situation in the 2008 cycle where he first boldly endorsed Hillary only later to unendorse her, in Feb after Obama had won more primaries, after concluding O was a better candidate and was now ready.

For this former HRC backer that one still stings, and it was the moment when I realized it was over for her.

Frankly, it's too bold a move, too politically risky for his own district (unless the locals have turned on O in the polls), too good a story to believe a JL primary challenge to O would ever happen.

Parent

: If there is anyone who has (none / 0) (#61)
by jeffinalabama on Wed Jul 27, 2011 at 04:39:46 PM EST

already put himself on the firing line of sacrifice to do what's right, it's Lewis. If he ran a front-porch campaign he could get tremendous press, since he's based in Atlanta.
He's an incredible man from everything I've read or heard. He's not afraid to get his skull fractured when other groups think there's too much downside.
Selma's Bloody Sunday was SNCC and Lewis. SCLC stole their thunder with the larger march that was NOT attacked by police.
N.B. there's a large cenotaph on Highway 80 for Viola Liuzzo. I try to stop to say, "Thank you," every time I pass. Often I say it while driving by, but I prefer to stop and walk to the fenced area.

Parent

What about all the local (none / 0) (#55)
by Wile ECoyote on Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 05:36:18 AM EST

furniture stores? Seems to me Ikea is the Walmart of furniture stores.

: Why would you assume that? (none / 0) (#57)
by Yman on Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 08:54:23 AM EST

IKEA has a history of providing good benefits and promoting environmental and childrens' causes.

Parent
: IKEA = Walmart (none / 0) (#58)
by brodie on Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 09:20:54 AM EST

may not be far off the mark, according to this recent LAT piece about their US factory in rural VA. In Sweden, workers are unionized and get about $19/hr + 5 wks vacation plus benefits. But for the US Ikea workers, it's $8/hr and only 12 days vacation -- 8 days of which are specifically determined by the employer.
Also, in VA up to 1/3 of the factory's employees are drawn from temp agencies, so even lower wages with no benefits. Ikea also has engaged a local legal firm which is known for its anti-union advocacy.
Looks like at least wrt the employee situation for Ikea in the US, the company is treating its VA employees like they're working in a 3d world nation.

Parent

Monday Open Thread: Colorado Joins IKEA Country | 59 comments (59 topical)

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