said by Cthen:Why do so many shop there? They factor in the price but don't factor in the old saying of "You get what you pay for". The same reason people shop at Walmart.
i've had my bentwood chair (aka poang or some such) for going on 12 years. the bolt connecting the arm to the back just broke a couple months ago. waltzed into an ikea, they gave me a couple new ones no fuss no mess.
have a few other pieces that are near bullet proof. use judgement with any purchase.
ps.. i usually bypass the 'showroom' and go directly to the warehouse/bulk area. more compact, lower ceilings (it's safe for px-types =) and less walking. and i don't get disoriented. even in mirror fun houses at carnivals.