Ikea Media Night in Winnipeg

Ikea had a great party last night! They invited a lot of local bloggers and media to come see the store before the grand opening tomorrow.

I brought along Melanie who helps me with baby/kids stuff. We had a lot of fun checking out the store, testing out many couches and chairs. The store is really geared towards families too – even spare diapers at the front desk. I was already a fan of Ikea, since when we lived in Vancouver it was one of my favourite places to wander around and check out the great displays.

As many of you know, I rarely go out at night or drink – so this was a really fun girls night out for us. I think the store should offer this more often – kid free shopping with a drink in hand is very relaxing! 🙂  I know there were people who were upset about a media only event – we did get the same 15% off discount that everyone else got on saturday at the friends and family event. I was a little worried that I might go shopping crazy – but as anyone who’s been to Ikea knows it’s a bit of a sensory overload. Saw a lot of stuff I like, but want to go back as a family and get their opinions. I ended up getting a few things for the kiddo, a few gifts and spent $40. The discount saved me a whole $6 – the horror! 😉  And yes, we got some very nice swag bags – but that’s pretty common for any grand opening type of event.

I don’t go to every event I’m invited to – there’s not enough time and often it’s things I’m just not interested in – and that I know a lot of you would feel the same about. Same as how I don’t work with every company that asks me – often it’s not a fit for our family, or products we don’t use or I’d feel uncomfortable endorsing.

We had a great time last night, a big thanks to Ikea for throwing a great party! Also love the fact that they were super responsible and provided taxis since there was alcohol being served.

As far as the store goes – it’s Ikea. You either love it or you don’t. I loved the new store, it’s huge and well organized. Was fun to check out the displays, see how cool the cafeteria is. I think it will  become the “it” place to meet up for cheap lunch and breakfast etc.  I hadn’t planned on going back until the new year, but I think I’ll be braving the crowds in December and meet up with Melanie’s family so we can show the kids the store.

Of course I freaked out when I saw the enormous clearance area at the end of the store! How did I forget about this?  A huge room of slightly damaged stuff – and sometimes you’ll be placing something against a wall etc. so the damage wouldn’t even show. Some pieces are just scratched and need a paint job – always fun with kids stuff anyway.

  So, after knowing all of you for 4 years now through blogging, chatting etc. do you think the $6 savings and bag of free stuff could have possibly changed my mind about Ikea? I chose to go for fun and to see the store. As a free agent and not employed by any organization I’m free to accept a glass (or more) of wine and an appetizer. If it was a company I didn’t agree with would it have changed my mind, or would I have written them up a positive review? I’ll leave that decision up to you.

As far as my readership goes I think most of you will enjoy the store – it’s not just for ladies as some people are saying too. My husband is looking forward to checking it out too. I’m glad Winnipeg finally got an Ikea store – perfect place to check out on a cold winter day. If you’re looking for a quick, fun way to do all you xmas shopping in one place you won’t be disappointed. The toys for 1-4 yrs old were amazing – sad my kiddo has outgrown these!  Also loved all the self checkouts, easy to use and it went really quick.

Anyone planning on lining up tomorrow morning? Keep us posted if you do – and good luck winning some prizes!

And a big thank you to Ikea for inviting us and putting on such a great party. Can’t wait to see what everyone else thinks of the store tomorrow!