Goodbye Smaland, Hello Newly Remodeled IKEA!

Who doesn’t love a good Ikea? The organization. The example showrooms. THE MEATBALLS. This blue and yellow store is basically a must-see for every person, no matter the age. (Well, okay, no husband enjoys Ikea, but that’s because of their famous hieroglyphics instruction manuals. But I digress.)

Ikea Memphis recently did a HUGE overhaul of their store, eliminating thousands of square feet, in exchange for a more streamline access to their space. It’s now easier to find the “grab and go” Market Place, special “super secret” entry into their Swedish Cafe, and “last chance” area.

Take a (virtual) walk with us through the space and check it out:

First things first, you’ll probably notice that there’s no more Smaland. (For those unfamiliar, this was Ikea’s childcare area.) Now, when you enter the main doors, immediately to your right is the showroom and example room set ups, weaving from bedrooms to living areas to bathrooms and kitchens.

Ok, now that we’re through the room set ups (SO MUCH INSPIRATION. SO MANY WISH LISTS), let’s head back to the front of the store again. Pretend you don’t want to see all the cool showrooms. You really came to Ikea just for new wine glasses. Ok. Totally doable (but laughable, because who really leaves with just one item?). Instead of turning right, you’ll stay straight and walk past this really cool mural (painted by a local artist):

After the mural, you’ll dump out at the intersection of the Ikea children’s area (slightly right) and the Market Place (straight). The Market Place is the “grab and go” of Ikea. It’s the display-to-buggy section of the store and my favorite place to slowly peruse. Did I come for oversized floral napkins? No, but somehow I now desperately need them. Same for a soft down pillow. Whoops, that tiny green bathroom trashcan just popped into my cart! Do people even burn tea lights anymore? Who even knows. I just know I can’t pass by the pack of 20 votive candles without grabbing some. And obviously my ~~life~~ home is super disorganized, so I’ll be leaving with 12 wicker baskets of various sizes.

After shopping, one is usually famished. This is where I head to the Swedish Cafe. Once only accessible by trecking through 5,000 square feet of space, this restaurant now has direct access through a new side door off of the parking lot. It’s also smack in the middle of the showroom space, so if you did meander through those rooms, you’ll find the cafe right after the bedding area. The Swedish Cafe is known for their $3.99 kid meals, free coffee for Family Members, their salmon dinner, and of course their classic Swedish meatballs with gravy and lingonberry jam. Don’t forget to try their chocolate cake (delish!) or their unusually flavored sparking waters in their fountain drink section.

If you somehow managed to avoid the Swedish Cafe (but who even does that?), don’t worry! There’s a last chance to grab some food at the tiny food court at the entrance/exit of the store. Here you can find hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, other seasonal food options, fountain drinks, and more free coffee.

Did you know Ikea has a “Last Chance” area? It’s to the left as you approach the self check out lanes. You’ll find the most random things in this spot, but it’s often worth the extra 10 minutes. I’ve scored a few awesome things in this area over the year. My favorite was the time I found an outdoor coffee table for – wait for it — only $10! You’ll be happy to know I share this amazing price anytime someone comments on it!