IO Metro

I’ve never been more disappointed in a shopping experience. I went in looking for a sofa/​sectional, there were two people at the front desk that didn’t acknowledge me at all. Then when I went to one of them to ask about a sectional I saw and LOVED, they weren’t helpful, or kind in any way. They might have a good product, but their customer service skills are nonexistent. I ended up going down the street to Crate & Barrel and found what I was looking for there. As someone who has worked in the customer service industry in the past, one of the key things is having a good attitude! Big disappointment.

I moved into a new house and had a set amount of cash to buy a giant sectional for my party suite. I started by scouting out my usual places online and the prices scared me. I didn’t have $ 5K to blow and that’s not even the scariest number I saw. Ikea had some good deals online but I didn’t want to wait till fall 2015. On a visit to Crate & Barrel I left very discouraged.
I was about to eat away my sorrows at PF Chang’s when my husband convinced me to stop in at IO Metro. I found a gorgeous sectional right there. Then another. And another! I also found some chairs and couches I liked. They have dining room tables too but the goal was a party suite so I needed to stay focused. One of the things I loved is that you can customize layouts and fabrics. The in-​store staff was really helpful too. They offer regular discounts in store so don’t even consider buying without a sale. Our item was right at the top of our price range but then it was 35% off (but add in delivery fees) and it was a good deal.
The downside was that it takes forever to come in, even items without customization. When it finally arrived though it was perfect but my «white glove» delivery guys seemed confused about how to get it in and assembled so that was a bit disappointing. Luckily my husband figured it out. Now a few months later I’ve received a letter from the head of the company stating he realizes the company may have let people down in service, damages, or length till delivery so they’re offering a big discount on top of their regular promos to anyone who may have been affected. That’s a fair shake in my opinion and I plan to take advantage of it.

What started off with a less than great sofa experience later turned golden when the CEO himself called me to deal with my concerns making everything right. The store itself is filled with stellar and stylish furnishings at prices much lower than you would think. Going back in a few months to look for a dining set

Where shall we start?
PROS:
Good in-​store customer service
Trendy furniture options at reasonable prices.
CONS:
I ordered a sectional, 4 chairs+table+bench, and media/​console table.
11/​26/​2013: 3 of the 4 chairs arrived badly damaged, the delivery men and I noticed 2 of the damaged chairs, for which I promptly reported to I. O Metro customer service. Everything was covered in a layer of dust (aside from the sofa). I received a «forced» apology regarding the damaged furniture and dust.
12/​28/​2013: three calls to management later and I’m still waiting on replacement chairs!
01/​09/​2014: Ok, I. O Metro has redeemed themselves (somewhat). My replacement chairs arrived. AND I had a busted lamp situation for which my sales consultant Mike promptly said the store would exchange for me. For these reasons I’ve updated my review.

We enjoy this interior design store. The selection is unique and varied. The staff is not overly friendly. The prices are high. But, it is a great place to pick up a one-​of-​a-​kind accent piece.

I’ve done nearly my entire house with my purchases from here. Great staff, great deals. If you can manage to get out of there without finding at least one item, you’re really not trying. I’ve enjoyed their displays better in the past, then the most recent visit. They are definitely in competition with Crate and Barrel, as it’s similar style. however, you cannot compete at a cost level. C&B much higher, and not necessarily a swap for quality.

This is where the cool kids buy there furniture (I think, I don’t really know). It’s a trendy place with a variety of different styles of furnishings from sofas to tables to paintings and decorative knick knacks. I found the average furniture piece to be both visually appealing and highly comfortable. The stock does move, so there are lots of different things to see. My favorite section in this place is the art section in the back of the store. Some pieces (photography and paintings) are made by local artists and labeled as such. Sometimes you can get lucky and find what you are looking for in the red tag room where clearance items are moved, presumably before being burned to heat the building.
The prices are not low, close to Crate and Barrel. At the very lease it is a nice place to check out for ideas for home furnishings before hunting for bargains.

IO Metro is located at the Boulevard across from The Galleria. I knew that this was Vern Yip inspired (Chinese American Interior Designer who has appeared on Trading Spaces, Design Star, and Deserving Design). I love his stuff. Very earthy/​contemporary. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices. It looks very expensive, but it is less than Crate and Barrel (it’s neighbor). The clearance section in the back has some especially great finds.
M y only complaint is that it is mainly a studio sample store. So, most of what you see, they have to order for you to pick up another day. What a pain! I just wanted a sconce and a small accent table! This would normally earn lower marks from me, but since I was able to order what I wanted online from them with free shipping, And, I love the merchandise, I am happy.

This furniture is relatively new and it sits adjacent to Crate and Barrel at the Galleria shopping center in Maryland Heights. I. O Metro prides itself as being a store that specializes in more of the contemporary/​modern selection aimed to accommodate the average American budget. I was directed to this place from another furniture store after I told them what it was I was exactly looking for. The store itself is only on one floor, where as Crate and Barrel next door holds two. The selection here has an emphasis on furniture pieces that are quite big and ideal for those who live downtown in a loft I presume… BIG and WIDE was the pattern I noticed throughout the aisles. Most of the pieces here were predominantly wooden. I was looking for more glass and steel, but was disappointed to find that they were lacking in this department. This place specializes in impressive wide and big wooden dining room tables, ideal to fit the palate of the downtown urban dweller. The store stays true to its contemporary and modern billing I found. I recommend this to young professionals living downtown. Worth a look if you are in the neighborhood.