The theory behind the design is: the longer a customer is inside the
store and the more furniture they see, the more items they are inclined
to buy. This layout is so confusing that oftentimes shoppers make
purchases simply because they are afraid they may never find their way
back to the item!
A study at a store location in Kent, England showed that patrons spent
an average of 3 hours inside the store, with a significant number
remaining for as long a 8 hours! IKEA is quick to deny any intention to
purposely bewilder its customers, citing shortcuts within the facility
(built primarily due to fire code), but the store’s exits still are not
very easy to find.
