Reply #9: I don't think they're comparable to Wal-Mart [View All]

[LynzM]

You're right that they are efficiency-conscious. They do it in their shipping and design, too, so that things can be shipped/stocked in smaller spaces. For example, they will design things to be stacked within each other to ship them more efficiently. It's the same reason the furniture doesn't come pre-built, because it's easier to ship it while it's flat. They also are responsible about where they get their building materials for their furniture from.

You can request a copy of their catalogue here: http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/virtual_catalogue/catalog_splash2.html

They do some explaining in there of what I said above, but more in-depth (mine is from what I remember reading in there, couldn't find it outlined on the website, but didn't look too hard!)

Personally, I really liked it as a place to shop for home stuff while I was living in Germany. I haven't been to one in the states yet, hopefully later this year, if we actually have a place to furnish! :)