Ikea

Mine is a love/​hate relationship with Ikea. What I love about it of course is the low prices coupled with modern style; this is exactly what Ikea aims to deliver and it does so «alla grande». From a corporate standpoint, Ikea lives and breathes its philosophy, from the flat, economized packaging to the do-​it-​yourself delivery and assembly, and even to the cheap but tasty food court. Few institutions live such a coherent and consistent image, and fewer still can boast employees that seem genuinely happy to be there.
The «hate» side probably relates to the very things that make Ikea so great. Other reviews indicate that people like to get lost in Ikea, wandering through the maze of displays and discovering something new. I detest having to work my way through the store; the Ikea layout people want me to see every single display item and map the path accordingly. I, on the other hand, feel manipulated. In addition, if I know exactly what I want, I hate zig-​zagging through the throngs on a Saturday afternoon.
Nonetheless, LIVE ON Ikea!