IKEA is one of the world’s best-known furniture stores, founded in 1943 by the Swede Ingvar Kamprad. What started as a small mail order business in Sweden grew into a global empire with more than 400 stores in dozens of countries. The name IKEA comes from Ingvar Kamprad’s initials, the farm where he grew up (Elmtaryd) and the nearby village (Agunnaryd).
IKEA’s success is largely due to the clever concept of self-assembly furniture: customers buy their furniture in flat packs and assemble it themselves. This keeps costs low and makes transport more efficient. IKEA is also known for its minimalist and functional Scandinavian designs, often with funny Swedish names.
In addition to furniture and home accessories, IKEA regularly organizes interesting promotions. Think of the well-known IKEA Family discounts, where members can buy products extra cheaply. There are also special offers during holidays and sales periods. Another popular promotion is the free breakfast or cheap dinner in the restaurant, where the famous Swedish meatballs are a crowd favorite.
IKEA continues to innovate, with sustainable initiatives such as furniture made from recycled materials and energy-efficient stores. The company is also experimenting with renting out furniture and buying back old IKEA products to give them a second life. This fits within the broader trend of circularity and sustainability, which the brand is increasingly focusing on.
