Sometimes walking through Ikea feels like youre in a maze where the walls are built from eye-catching organizational units.
You both cant and dont want to leave.
This isnt an accidentIkea is trapping you on purpose.
Now that you know what Ikea is up to, how do you fight their wily tricks?
Thats something Ikea understands well, and they manipulate it with their layout.
ensure you have a list.
Understand the Layout
There are three main styles of store layouts.
A grid emphasizes speed, because its easy to find what you want.
Picture a grocery store, as an example.
A freeform layout is maybe more of what youd see in a department store like Macys.
A racetrack creates a loop that exposes the customers to a predetermined path of product.
Ikea uses a fixed path through a literal maze of more product displays.
Generally, consumers only see about one third of a store, but Ikeas numbers are higher.
Know thats what theyre trying to do, and resist!
The showroom with all the distracting displays are generally found upstairs.
you might also order online, if you prefer delivery fees to random impulse buying.
Theyre able to measure customer paths via data acquisition in stores.
Yes, theyre watching you and they know what you like.
Theyll use that info to tweak their design and make you buy even more things.
And if you must make your way through the dreaded marketplace,you need a firm sense of resolve.
That means youll get tired and, lets face it, hangry.
Bring something to eat, like trail mix or fruit or an energy bar.
Dont let Ikea wear you down!
Youll be less emotional and impulsive (like they want) if your physical needs are taken care of.
And finally, bring a buddy to help keep you on track.
Yes, people joke about how Ikea ruins relationships.
But with the right person, you might be able to control yourself and get in and out quickly.
Keep reminding each otherwe only came here for one thing.
