before visiting IKEA, Bangalore blogaberry
I felt like the whole of Bangalore was waiting for IKEA to open. Even two weeks after the opening, it was still crowded. On a WEEKDAY!!!
IKEA, Nagasandra, Bangalore is the biggest outlet of IKEA in India. It is maintained as efficiently as it was in Kuwait and Hyderabad. The staff is as helpful and courteous and they happily inform you about the inventory or options for the items you had your eye on.
Anyway, I thought it would be great if we had some heads up prior to our visit (with kids) so that our time there would be more comfortable. There were some things that we noted; good as well as scope for improvement that we could be mindful of before our next visit.
So, here are the 10 things to keep in mind before visiting IKEA, Bangalore:
You can comfortably take your motor vehicle as they have 2000 free parking spaces (1500 for 4-wheelers and around 500 for 2-wheelers). You can take your trolley to your vehicle and offload your haul.
Just like many stores in Bangalore, you are encouraged to carry bags for shopping. IKEA bags are also available but at a price. We kept our bags in the car. We used them only while offloading in the parking lot.
Their inventory consists of loads of home products like sofas, library shelves, lamps, bulbs, bed textiles, flower pots (just 250 each), side tables, coffee tables, clothes lines, cushions, wall clocks, trash bins, racks on wheels, kitchen racks, bathroom cleaning items, etc. It’s like a one-stop shop for all your house-related needs. So, if you’re shifting houses, like us, it’s a great place to visit.
There is a little play area for kids aged 3 years to 10 years on the lower floor. The only off-side was that they had only one entry. We had to go back up, take one of the quick exits and get down again. An easier entry would be more comfortable considering that we are keeping the kids there to avoid extra exertion.
We weren’t too keen on going all the way back up, so, we skipped Smaland. We kept the kids busy in other ways. But if you have tiny tots, you can surely try the creche out.
The famous IKEA restaurant had very few options on the menu. Along with their popular meatballs, there was paneer butter masala, salad (with no lettuce), cheesecake, chicken curry and rice, buns, nuggets, potato wedges, soup of the day, etc. Whatever was there tasted good but more food options would be great so that even people who don’t shop would come and enjoy their meals (which was the actual idea of having an awesome restaurant within the shopping center in the first place).
Read about the founder’s life and interesting habits HERE
In case you are a first-time buyer at IKEA, it is vital to know that you will get their furniture in pieces (dismantled) and you have to assemble them yourself at home. There is also an option where you call their fixers to do it for you. You can speak to their staff at the IKEA store or contact them online. Note that the delivery guys will NOT assemble the furniture they deliver to you.
There were a few items that we selected which were not in stock. The shoe cupboard, center table, small cabinet, etc. were some things that were not on the racks. We immediately booked them from their online store. One item that was on double display wasn’t available online either. So, keep your options open or use the free IKEA WiFi to check the availability of your items on their online store, too.
This is the most important part for many people I know. Visiting a huge store with a good restroom is much needed in today’s times. Don’t worry, at IKEA, the toilets are quite clean and dry. They are also sanitized regularly. But I found a little difference between the loos at the entrance and the loos after the cashier area. I felt that the latter could be kept as clean as the former. Let me know your thoughts in case you have noticed any difference.
Unlike many places, it was a good thing that despite the crowd, it wasn’t stuffy. I survived the cold, but I would have been more at ease if my limbs weren’t freezing while shopping. So, if you cannot handle low temperatures, it is advisable to wear a thick long-sleeved top or a jacket.
The restaurant is located closer to the entrance (on the higher floor). We first had lunch and then started shopping. So, once you get down, there is no snacking until after the billing area. If you are visiting IKEA with hungry kids, it may be good if you carry a small packet of biscuits or chips just to keep them going until your billing is done (we spent 8 hours in IKEA). My kids even took a nap amid our shopping spree.
Hope this information is enough for you to be comfortable during your visit to IKEA, Bangalore. If you have any other suggestions, do mention them in the comments section below!
Update: Our second visit – Like any other mall of Bangalore, IKEA is also overcrowded on weekends. The snake line at the restaurant is never ending. We thought the line would get shorter, so, we decided to stroll around the first floor and have lunch before going downstairs. The line never got shorter, so, we became a part of it and finally had lunch at 5pm. Also, if you are going on weekends, don’t bother about the jacket.
28 Comments
BYOB is a concept that we should make a part of our life. Not only for IKEA but for a daliy errand as well. I will keep your tips in mind when I visit IKEA next time
True, Rakhi. I always have a foldable bag in my handbag.
I hadn’t realized that, when planning a visit to IKEA in Bangalore, there are ten crucial considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience. A friend of mine even shared his checklist, which encompasses understanding the store’s layout, keeping an eye out for ongoing promotions, bringing measurements for your space, budget planning, transportation arrangements, exploring dining options, crowd awareness, and utilizing IKEA’s shopping tools. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of sustainability and recycling by bringing reusable bags and maintaining an eco-conscious approach when visiting this renowned home furnishing destination.
Wow, that’s so cool, Rahul. Would love to check that one out, too!
Thank you so much for the detailed post on what to expect and what not. Now I have an idea of when to go, what to carry and what not to.
I really wish IKEA opens its store in Delhi-NCR so that I can indulge in the ultimate shopping experience…haha… Your article has sparked that feeling ;).
Thanks for the pointers, I’m more than ready to visit IKEA.
Ikea is a haven for all people who are looking for home renovation. Thanks for these helpful tips like bringing your own bag and a headsup on parking.
You’re welcome, Judy.
We have been thinking about visiting IKEA, ever since it opened in Bangalore, however, not been able to make it till now. I think it was a blessing in disguise, as after reading this post, we are better prepared, and know what to expect. I guess it would be better to plan a visit on a weekday. Sandy N Vyjay
Ikea I heard so much about it and always wondered what actually made it so popular among people in Hyderabad and once I asked it too one of my distant relative in Hyderabad about it. What I heard was impressive about the available product varieties, hygiene and other facilities but when you almost reconfirmed everything about Ikea at Bangalore … now I am sure its worthy visiting. If I visit either HYderabad or Bangalore will definitely visit Ikea.
It is great to know that IKEA in in India now. here in USA, IKEA has been our favorite and we have visited it many times. you have shared great tips to make IKEA visit pleasant for bangalore people. yes, carry a dry snacks with kids always help to avoid manage sudden hunger .
I love IKEA. Good to know that it’s in Banagalore. What I like about IKEA is it’s reasonable. You can satisfy your decorating requirements on a budget. Plus the demo gives you good ideas as well. Here they sell a big bag for 99cents so we got on during one of our trips and now that has become our IKEA shopping bag.
Wow that’s great, Alpana!
I’ve been waiting to visit ikea store in Mumbai but have stopped myself to go as I knw I wld go bonkers and get things. But now that my hse work is done I am finally planning to go and Chek out the store to set up my house and decor.
Wow Ikea Bangalore has got it all. Kids area, parking space and food zone too. I am sure I will visit there empty stomach and thanks for bags update.
Woww that’s quite an interesting and informative blog, I am planning to visit the Vashi Branch, Mumbai, there are still some points that I can take from here. Thank you
Wow these are great pointers to keep in mind and yes people were awaiting the launch I even want to visit one day
I’ve visited the IKEA in Navi Mumbai and agree with most of your points. They provide a great shopping experience and allow you to browse at your own pace. The variety makes one spoilt for choice and the food is great!
We love visiting Ikea and sure the Bangalore one would be as wonderful as Mumbai, I agree that even we get tired checking all the awesome products they have. Thanks for sharing all details.
I have heard a lot about IKEA , Bangalore but never got to visit there. But now I know exactly what all need to be taken care of. Thanks to you
Thanks for sharing this information. We were planning to visit but because of distance we need to plan the day well in advance . It is huge and exploring the whole place will take lot of time. Heared a lot of good things about it so hoping to find something of my choice.
Yeah we took an hour to reach there and spent 8 hours the first time, so yeah paisa vasool! Hahahaha!
Right points buddy I am an ex Ikea employee and I can vouch for your recommendations with regards to a Ikea store visit
I love Ikea. Have shopped at Ikea, Kuwait. It’s a shopping paradise and time literally flies when you are in a Ikea store. Wearing comfortable sneakers is a must! And yes, you sleep like a kid after the shopping expedition at Ikea! Hope it comes in our city soon too!
Wow, nice to have met you, Shilpa! I haven’t too many people who have been to IKEA Kuwait! Hhehe!
IKEA Hyderabad is similar. When I didnt live here every visit to Ikea was a must but now that I live here I don’t go. I love to stroll around and check out all the latest in kitchen and dining. But as u said weekends are a total no-no for me. I get claustrophobic in crowds and it is always full. Any work day as soon as it opens is the best time. I like the food as well and the drinks.
Are you living in HYD now? Whatsapp me if YES!
IKEA store has it all, and you had a great haul from the visit. Thanks for all the pointers especially the restaurant one, as one has to be energetic to visit the huge store so quick snacks should be available at each floor.