This week we had the chance to check out Montgomery County’s first Ikea store, which just opened at the Rio center in Gaithersburg. And for once, we’re happy to report that the shopping experience actually beat our expectations. While Ikea had described this as a “plan-and-order” store where you wouldn’t be able to make any same-day purchases, we were surprised to find that the shelves are absolutely brimming with grab-and-go items. If you’re in the market for furniture, cabinetry, appliances or other large purchases, you will indeed have to come back another day for pickup. Sadly, you won’t find Ikea’s famous meatballs or anything else to eat at this location. But if you’re shopping for kitchenware, bedding, rugs, seat cushions and the like, you’ll find plenty of merchandise to fill up those famous blue shopping bags.
