It is the age gap. Young people and young couples love IKEA and the ambience. They love the 2020 style furniture and whatever else they have there, and the reasonable prices, I have been in IKEA only once. I bought nothing except 2 frozen food items and a hot plate of their Swedish meatballs in the eating area. The meatballs were good.
I have zero desire to return.
Yes, the meatballs were good - they were giving out free samples as I walked through.
As far as the furniture, you can find better stuff at Big Lots!