In 1990, whilst living not far from the M5/M42 junction, South West Of Brum, we decided to buy an Ikea kitchen.
This was before the internet. Ikea being North about 40 mins drive on a Saturday. We worked out carefully every part we needed, and went around and filled up the car. And roof rack, but they didn't have the knobs we wanted. Oh well. We decide to fit the rest and go back.
Half way through fitting the work top I noticed an issue so had to go back and swap it. Whilst I was there I tried to get the knobs. Not in stock. Couldn't reserve them.either. And they couldn't say when they'd be in stock.
I passed the Junction on work trips occassionally, so over the next 3 weeks I popped in twice. Still no knobs.
Finally we went on a Saturday Morning with a screw driver, and in front of the only salesman, in the kitchen show area , we removed the knobs we wanted, and got him.to put them.in a bag, with a hand written price tag.
It wasn't the out of stock bit that screwed my mind, but the fact there was no way of reserving them.
Has it got any better with the internet?
About 4 years ago I was forced to go and buy a double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and 2 bedside drawer units from Warrington. It just fitted in the omega. Took all oppsing day. Had to go to a separate warehouse to queue up for half the stuff.
The quality and ease of assembly are acceptable to me. I just hate the place and customer experience.