It started with IKEA’s founder, Ingvar Kamprad, who was born in Sweden. At 17, Kamprad founded IKEA, an abbreviation made up of his name, Ingvar Kamprad and his hometown, Elmtaryd, Agunnaryd.
Kamprad’s driving idea behind IKEA was to offer stylish and modern furniture anyone could afford. He did this by creating the flat-pack concept and building everything in his own warehouses. He did everything in-house.
But how was Kamprad’s IKEA able to achieve such success with his concept, and create a brand people worldwide know and love?
IKEA’s primary asset and top priority is creating an experience for its customers. From the moment you walk into the store, you are immersed in the IKEA brand.
IKEA has thought of everything, and its brand works to ensure you have a great experience. The showrooms allow you to actually see the products in action, offering pencils, measuring tapes and guidebooks to help you keep track of items easily. The same products show up again and again throughout so even if you miss something the first time, you will almost certainly see it somewhere else.
The products don’t stop at the quirky names and sleek designs. Behind the brand, IKEA works to offer affordable products and maintain quality.
So as a business owner, what can you learn from IKEA?
Keep Workplace Based on Same Culture and Values
Just as IKEA works to keep its customers happy, the same goes for its employees. IKEA refers to its employees as ‘co-workers,’ and positions them as people who work together and collaborate, rather than just the people who make the business money.
Be Transparent
IKEA makes it a priority to be open about where it gets its materials and how they are working to improve quality, keep costs down, and still ensure environmental sustainability.
Look at the Big Picture
Before IKEA enjoyed the success it does today, Kamprad knew exactly the direction he wanted to take. IKEA planned from the start to go international, but to do so, it needed a clear plan and vision. Its biggest strength is its ability to focus on big-picture goals. IKEA concentrated on getting things right from the start, rather than an, “open first, figure out later,” approach.
Learn more about IKEA Canada here during our May Luncheon with Michael Ward, IKEA Canada President.
