New Ikea to furnish big change for region

The opening of Ikea’s second Bay Area megastore will draw shoppers from as far away as South San Francisco, San Jose and Fremont, transforming East Palo Alto into a destination. But beyond the dread, anticipation and ballyhoo, Ikea’s arrival signals change not only for East Palo Alto, but also for many others who live and drive on the Peninsula as well.

Also, an entertaining walkthrough of the new store:

Also accessible from the lobby is the Marketplace, where a wise early bird I’d met outside advised I go first. Good thing he told me. Out of all those helpful signs in the lobby, I saw none pointing me to this shopping option, which is effectively screened from direct view.

Ikea prefers to funnel shoppers upstairs on an escalator to room displays. Here, the decorating-challenged can see those flat-packed cardboard boxes all put together, just like in real life. Well, at least Ikea’s version of it.