WEST CHESTER — So what's all the hoopla about IKEA? And what makes folks drive for hours to load up their vans?

For starters, it's about a huge selection of moderately priced and smartly designed furnishings and accessories. It's also about a business philosophy that emphasizes families and the environment. And it's about the fact that the giant stores aren't everywhere.

We asked store manager Lonnie Rodgers to answer some questions about the West Chester store that will open Wednesday, March 12.

Q How and where did the chain start, and what was the original concept?

A Our founder, Ingvar Kamprad, started the company at age 17 in 1943, selling pencils, wooden stools and matchsticks to neighbors in southern Sweden. He soon hooked up with a milk delivery truck to reach neighboring villages and expanded his product offering to include more furniture items. The selection was compiled into a catalog, then a showroom was established so customers could see the product and then the showroom became a store.

Q Has it changed through the years? How many stores are there now?

A The IKEA concept has evolved to include home accessories, food service options, a supervised play area and even more products reflecting a country or traditional look. IKEA West Chester will be the 34th IKEA store in the U.S., and 274th in the world.

Q What are some of the most popular things you sell?

A Popular items worldwide include the $2.99 bag of 100 GLIMMA tealights, the $79 BILLY bookcase, the POANG armchair and the elements of our MALM bedroom offering. Last year we sold 50 million meatballs.

Q Do I have to put Ikea furniture together by myself? What if I'm unable to do that?

A Most of our furniture comes flat-packed in a box so it is easier for us to transport and more affordable for customers to purchase. We have a saying that "we do a little, you do a little, and together we save a lot." Besides home delivery, we also offer home assembly services for customers who may need some help and a rent-a-truck/van service available on-site.

Q Will someone put my purchases in my car/van for me?

A We wear bright yellow uniform shirts so customers easily can find co-workers to help them — whether it is loading one's cart in the warehouse or loading one's car outside the store.

Q If I've never been in an Ikea store before, how long should I allow for my first visit?

A The average visit to an IKEA store in the U.S. is two to three hours.

Q I've heard the stores are huge. Are there places to sit down and rest along the way?

A IKEA West Chester is 344,000 square feet. Customers are welcome to relax in any of the 48 room-settings or furniture displays in the showroom to the variety of dining options at the store.

Q Would you bring young children to an Ikea store?

A Absolutely. IKEA stores are known for being family-friendly shopping experiences. We have a supervised children's play area that is free of charge to our customers where they can check-in children, receive a pager and carry on with their shopping. We also have children's activity areas throughout the sales areas of the store.

Q Can I eat a snack or meal at the store?

A We have a 350-seat cafeteria-style restaurant serving Swedish meatballs, salmon plates, sandwiches, salads and kid's meals such as macaroni and cheese. There is a Bistro where customers can get a 50-cent hot dog, cinnamon bun, something to drink or soft-serve frozen yogurt. We also have a Swedish Foodmarket selling candies, cookies, crackers and cheeses from Sweden, and frozen meatballs.

Q What's the average price for key pieces of furniture?

A We have a range of price points on the many products we offer, from dining chairs that range between $15 and $79 to sofas ranging from $300 to $1,300, to 29 cent pet food bowls, mugs.

Q What's the newest thing at IKEA in terms of departments or trends? Is anything new being introduced in the next few months?

A We definitely are making more of a concerted effort to ensure products reflecting a country or traditional style are showcased as much as the modern and Scandinavian-styled products. Also, we have begun our own IKEA food label for many of the Swedish delicacies.

Q Do you have gift certificates? Do you have a bridal registry?

A IKEA sells gift cards that can be used at any of the 34 IKEA stores in the U.S. With only 34 stores in the U.S., we do not have a large enough network to support an actual bridal registry.

Q Do you carry furniture for kids?

A Yes. Our showroom has a "Children's IKEA" section that includes furniture, accessories, bedding and toys for children of all ages.

Q Do you have interior designers to help me with my decorating?

A Yes, we offer our customers home furnishing consultations for free — either by appointment or as walk-in (providing someone is available) — and also have someone specifically designated to help businesses meet their furnishing needs, too.

Q How do I get to IKEA from the Dayton area?

A Take I-75 South toward Cincinnati. Exit at Union Centre Boulevard. Make a right onto Union Centre. Then, make a left onto Muhlhauser Road. IKEA West Chester is located at the intersection of Muhlhauser and Allen roads.

Q What are the hours? Can I order from a catalog or Web site?

A The hours of IKEA West Chester are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. A limited product offering is available online or through our catalog, but the ultimate IKEA experience is through shopping in our stores.

Q What's the best thing about working at Ikea?

A The people here at IKEA make my job so enjoyable — the energy, fun attitude, work ethic and culture all combine to make this a great place to work with great people.