IKEA Insider – Secrets from the Store
Insider Secrets
from the Store
Beyond official discounts, there are many tricks and secrets that can enhance your shopping experience and lead to additional savings. Many of these come directly from IKEA employees themselves – people who worked in stores and know all the secrets!
“If you know where to look, you’ll find them… Nobody’s going to stop you unless it explicitly says ’employees only,’ but other than that you can open doors and you’d be amazed.”
— Former IKEA Employee, Mental Floss
🗺️ Hidden Store Secrets
Find the Shortcuts
The store is intentionally designed as a maze – called “The Long Natural Path”. The goal? To make you pass through all departments and see as many products as possible.
But here’s the secret: There are hidden shortcuts!
- 🚪 Unmarked service doors (if there’s no “employees only” sign – you can enter!)
- 🗺️ Look for shortcuts on the maps at the store entrance
- 👥 Ask an employee – most will be happy to help
- ⬇️ Stairs and small arrows that skip entire departments
Enter Through the Exit
This sounds crazy, but it’s completely legal and works!
How it works:
- Check the IKEA website for the exact aisle and location of the product you want
- Arrive at the store and enter through the exit (near the checkouts)
- Go directly to the self-serve warehouse
- Grab your product and pay at the register
Understand the Price Tag
The IKEA price tag isn’t just a price – it’s a treasure map!
What’s on the tag?
- 💰 The price (obviously)
- 📍 Aisle number in the self-serve warehouse
- 📦 Exact bin number on the shelf
- 🏷️ Product code (useful for checking stock)
- 📏 Dimensions and weight
The Free Parts Wall
This is one of IKEA’s best-kept secrets!
Near the returns desk, you’ll usually find a “wall” or board with screws, dowels, handles, and other small parts.
Why does it exist?
People lose small parts all the time. Instead of throwing them away, IKEA puts them on a special wall – free for everyone!
- ✓ Missing a screw? Take one from the wall
- ✓ Broke a handle? Maybe there’s one here
- ✓ Need an extra dowel? Help yourself
Don’t Open Packages!
All products are displayed in the showroom – there’s no need to open a package.
What to do instead?
- ✓ See the product in the showroom
- ✓ Ask an employee if you have questions
- ✓ Use the app to see the product in your home
📱 Technology to Help You
🏠 IKEA Place App
This is an amazing augmented reality (AR) app that lets you:
- 📐 “Place” furniture in your home virtually
- 📏 See how it fits in your space
- 🎨 Try different colors and sizes
- 📸 Take photos and share with family
Why does this save money?
Fewer mistakes = fewer returns = less wasted money!
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure & Transparency
Affiliate Links: This page contains affiliate links to IKEA. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Independence: This guide is independently created and not affiliated with IKEA.
Accuracy: Information based on research and employee interviews. Store policies may vary.
