If you’re heading to IKEA and looking for the best bargains, there’s one mistake many shoppers make: following the standard showroom path before checking the clearance areas.
The smarter move is to start your trip near the checkout section, where some of IKEA’s biggest discounts are hiding.
The “As-Is” Room: Where the Real Bargains Begin
Near the registers, most IKEA stores have a separate area commonly known as the “As-Is” room. This section is filled with:
- Returned items
- Floor models
- Slightly damaged furniture
- Open-box merchandise
These pieces are often marked down 40% to 60% off regular prices.
Sometimes the damage is minor, such as a scratch, missing hardware, or a dent that most people would never notice once the item is in your home.
Don’t Miss the Clearance Shelves Nearby
Around the As-Is room, you’ll usually also find regular clearance shelving closer to the checkout lanes. These are often brand-new items that have simply been marked down because:
- They are seasonal products being phased out
- Packaging changed
- Inventory is being cleared out
Discounts here can get steep, sometimes 80% to 90% off.
That kind of markdown is rare for IKEA products because IKEA designs and sells its own merchandise exclusively. Unlike national brands sold across multiple retailers, there usually isn’t another store competing on price.
Why Damaged IKEA Items Can Still Be Worth Buying
Some shoppers hesitate when they see damaged or incomplete furniture, but IKEA has one big advantage: replacement parts are often available.
Need a missing screw, shelf pin, hinge, or bracket? In many cases, IKEA can special-order replacement parts. It may take a little patience, but that extra effort is exactly why the discounts are so good.
If you’re handy and don’t mind minor fixes, these deals can be excellent value.
My Best IKEA Shopping Tip
Why? Because the best discounted items are often one-of-a-kind and sell fast. If you wait until the end of your trip, someone else may grab them first.
Final Thought
IKEA is already known for affordable furniture, but the real hidden treasures are often tucked away near checkout. If you want the deepest discounts in the store, start where most people finish.
That small change in strategy can save you serious money and help you score a deal most shoppers walk right past.