It’s impressive just because of the sheer quantity and variety of things they have. I can see why people make (made) trips from Detroit to Chicago, partially to shop at IKEA.

Unfortunately, the American opinion on alcohol makes the IKEA’s here not sell beer (*sigh*).

Having seen only one IKEA, I’m not sure I can comment on the vagaries of stock.

Still, great stuff at great prices. The Swedish food shop at the end is the icing on the cake, although I don’t usually have the strength or the stamina to take advantage of all that cut-rate Swedish beer and pickled herring.

As it happens, we get our revenge tonight when England thrash Sweden in Munich. That should make up for all the Klippans, and Klackbos, and Sturefors, and all those lost hours wandering the warehouse looking for out-of-stock sofa covers and bed-legs.

So what is the stock like in California? Contrary to what one might presume, their stock range actually varies tremendously from country to country. Wood (especially Birch) and bold patterns feature very prominently in the UK. I am told that the Spanish stores don’t stock any wooden furniture at all becuase termites are so ubiquitous. What concessions do you think they have made to US taste?