Japan IT Week 2024 Brochure by 47Billion (English)
Ikea
1.
2. IKEA is a Swedish-founded multinational group that designs
and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and
home accessories, among other useful goods and occasionally
home services.
It has been the world's largest furniture retailer since at least
2008.
It was founded in Sweden in 1943 by 17-year-old
carpenter, Ingvar Kamprad, who was listed by Forbes in 2015
as one of the ten richest people in the world.
4. The company's name is an acronym that consists of the
initials:
• Ingvar Kamprad (name of founder)
• Elmtaryd (the farm where he grew up)
• Agunnaryd (his hometown in southern Sweden)
The company is known for its modernist designs for various
types of appliances and furniture, and its interior design
work is often associated with an eco-friendly simplicity.
5. As of November 2017, IKEA owns and operates 415 stores
in 49 countries.
Since its inception, the IKEA company vision has been to
create a better everyday life for the many people by offering
a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishings
at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford
them.
6. Products and services
Rather than being sold pre-assembled, much of IKEA's
furniture is designed to be assembled by the customer. The
company claims that this helps to reduce costs.
In 2016 IKEA started a move into the smart home business.
The IKEA TRADFRI smart lighting kit was one of the first
ranges signalling this change.
IKEA's media team has confirmed that smart home project
will be a big move. They have also started a partnership
with Philips Hue.
7. Although IKEA household products and furniture are
designed in Sweden, they are largely manufactured in
developing countries to keep costs down. For most of its
products, the final assembly is performed by the end-user
(consumer).
8. IKEA Social Initiative
In September 2005, IKEA Social Initiative was formed to
manage the company's social involvements on a global
level. IKEA Social Initiative is headed by Marianne Barner.
The main partners of IKEA Social Initiative are UNICEF
and Save the Children.
On 23 February 2009, at the ECOSOC event in New
York, UNICEF announced that IKEA Social Initiative has
become the agency's largest corporate partner, with total
commitments of more than US$180 million.
9. Fighting child labour and promoting
education
Founded in 1982, the IKEA Foundation initially focussed
only on architecture and interior design. Over the years,
IKEA became active in addressing the root causes of child
labour as well as endeavours with major partners to promote
children’s rights and education.
IKEA Foundation was able to expand its charter to include a
broader mission of improving children’s opportunities, so
they can ultimately take control of their own futures.
10. Other ventures
IKEA owns and operates the MEGA Family Shopping Centre
chain in Russia.
On 8 August 2008, IKEA UK launched a virtual mobile
phone network called IKEA Family Mobile.
As of 2012, IKEA is in joint venture with TCL to provide
integrated HDTV and entertainment system product.
In mid-August 2012, the company announced that it will
establish a chain of 100 economy hotels in Europe but, unlike
its few existing hotels in Scandinavia.