IKEA’s Black Friday 2024 Sale: What You Need to Know and How It Stacks Up

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by

Mike R. Solowski
in

IKEA has a reputation for offering stylish and affordable home furnishings, from minimalist furniture to Swedish meatballs in its iconic cafeteria. This Black Friday, IKEA is bringing the savings, making it an ideal time to score big on everything from sofas to cookware. However, is it truly the best time to shop at IKEA? Here’s our expert take on what to expect, plus the best ways to save beyond Black Friday.

What’s on Sale During IKEA’s Black Friday 2024?

This year’s Black Friday sale at IKEA kicked off on November 27 and will run through Cyber Monday, December 2. While some of the discounts are substantial, others are more modest. Overall, you can expect up to 50% off on a variety of products, particularly in categories like home furniture, kitchen appliances, and holiday decor. Here’s a quick look at some of the best deals:

  • 50% off on GAMMALBYN sofas, armchairs, and ottomans
  • 40% off VINTERFINT and STRÅLA holiday decor
  • 30% off on ERSNÄS, REGISSÖR, and KALKNÄS cabinets
  • Up to 50% off select dining furniture, including VANGSTA extendable tables
  • 50% off select cookware and lighting, including SOLHETTA LED bulbs and STRÅLA lamp bases
  • Discounts of up to 40% off on select bed frames and major kitchen appliances

Moreover, the IKEA Family membership — which is free to join — grants an additional 10% off Winter Sale items, making it an even better deal for those already planning to become members.

What Makes IKEA’s Black Friday Sale Stand Out?

IKEA’s annual Black Friday event offers several advantages, but it’s important to temper expectations. The Swedish retail giant doesn’t follow the same path as other major retailers like Target or Best Buy, where huge markdowns are applied across a wide range of categories. Instead, IKEA focuses on select product categories, often including seasonal items and clearance products.

Pros of IKEA’s Black Friday Sale:

  1. High-Quality Furniture at Discounted Prices: While IKEA’s prices are already known for being budget-friendly, Black Friday allows customers to score major discounts on popular items like sofas, storage, and kitchen essentials.
  2. Sustainable Savings: IKEA has been pushing sustainability initiatives, like its Buy Back & Resell program, and this Black Friday continues that trend. Discounts on sustainable products during Green Friday (available in some regions) align with its commitment to a circular economy.
  3. Free Delivery on Orders Over $299: This is a major perk, especially for those purchasing larger items like furniture or multiple items. Free delivery can save customers upwards of $100, depending on their location.

Cons of IKEA’s Black Friday Sale:

  1. Limited Selection: Unlike some other retailers, IKEA doesn’t apply discounts sitewide or offer blanket sales across all categories. Expect to find deals on select items, with many of the newer arrivals excluded.
  2. Availability Issues: IKEA’s in-demand products, such as their best-selling BILLY bookcases or popular sofa collections, can sell out fast during Black Friday. For larger furniture purchases, you’ll want to act quickly to secure the best deals.
  3. In-Store Crowds: If you’re thinking about heading to a physical IKEA store on Black Friday, be prepared for crowds. IKEA already attracts large foot traffic on regular weekends, and Black Friday only amplifies that. The long lines at checkout and the maze-like layout of the store can detract from the savings experience.

IKEA’s Winter Sale: More Than Just Black Friday

While Black Friday gets all the attention, IKEA’s Winter Sale stretches beyond the weekend, running through the New Year. This extended period means you can still find fantastic deals even after Cyber Monday. If you don’t want to risk the stress of Black Friday crowds or inventory running low, you may find a better shopping experience by waiting until December. However, the best Black Friday deals are typically for immediate needs or specific gifting opportunities.

What We Love About IKEA’s Winter Sale:

  • The ability to shop for seasonal and holiday items at discounted rates.
  • The consistent addition of fresh items to the “As Is” section, offering even deeper discounts on discontinued or lightly used products.

Where IKEA Could Improve:

  • With supply chain issues still lingering, inventory might not be as reliable as it once was. Customers could find themselves disappointed if the product they want isn’t in stock.
  • The store layout is often overwhelming, especially during sales events. While IKEA’s aesthetic is sleek and minimalistic, the in-store experience can be a bit chaotic.

Is IKEA’s Black Friday Really the Best Time to Shop?

The short answer: it depends. For those looking to spruce up their home with new furniture or upgrade appliances, Black Friday offers a great opportunity to save. However, IKEA’s strategy of applying discounts to select items — and not on everything — means that savvy shoppers might not always find exactly what they’re hoping for.

Our experts at BigBoxBlog.com observe that while IKEA’s prices are already on the lower end of the spectrum, their Black Friday sale is likely to be a hit for those seeking deals on seasonal decor or key furniture pieces like dining tables, couches, and cabinets. If you’re looking for a full shopping spree across the entire store, you may want to look elsewhere.

For retailers in the home goods sector, IKEA’s Black Friday event is an interesting case study. It’s a retailer that has mastered the art of creating buzz and anticipation, while still managing to maintain its low-cost, sustainable ethos. By focusing on product categories with high demand and strategic markdowns, IKEA avoids the pitfalls of offering deep discounts on everything, which can erode the perceived value of its offerings.

Other retailers in the home goods space might consider this approach. For instance, large competitors like Walmart and Target tend to over-saturate their sales with constant markdowns, often leading to inventory issues. IKEA, on the other hand, keeps things exclusive, which can make their products feel like higher-value items despite offering them at more affordable prices.

How to Save at IKEA Beyond Black Friday

If you miss out on Black Friday or want to stretch your savings further, there are plenty of ways to continue saving at IKEA throughout the year.

  1. Join IKEA Family: As mentioned, this free membership offers exclusive discounts and special perks. You’ll get access to limited-time promotions, as well as the opportunity to rack up points for future purchases.
  2. Shop the “As Is” Section: IKEA’s clearance section is gold. Shoppers can find heavily discounted furniture that’s returned, damaged, or previously displayed. These items can be a steal if you don’t mind the slightly imperfect condition.
  3. Take Advantage of Price Adjustments: IKEA offers a generous price adjustment policy for Family members, meaning if the price of an item you bought drops within 90 days, you can get the difference back.
  4. Consider the Buy Back & Resell Program: While this program is part of IKEA’s long-term sustainability goals, it’s also a way to score great deals on second-hand pieces. Selling back your gently used IKEA furniture can earn you credit towards future purchases, all while reducing waste.

Final Thoughts

IKEA’s Black Friday sale presents a solid opportunity for savings, particularly on home furniture and decor. While the sales aren’t as sweeping as some might expect, the discounts on popular items like sofas, kitchen appliances, and holiday decor are still attractive. Whether you choose to shop early or wait for the Winter Sale to continue, you can find ways to save — and even score additional discounts by becoming an IKEA Family member. As always, for those planning a big IKEA shopping spree, don’t forget to plan ahead for those crowds and potentially limited stock!