The IKEA business idea
is to offer a wide range of home furnishings with good design and
function at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able
to afford them. And still have money left !
Most of the time, beautifully designed home furnishings are created for
a small part of the population — the few who can afford them. From the
beginning, IKEA has taken a different path. We have decided to side with
the many.
That means responding to the home furnishing needs of people throughout
the world. People with many different needs, tastes, dreams,
aspirations...and wallets. People who want to improve their homes and
create better everyday lives.
It's not difficult to manufacture expensive fine furniture. Just spend
the money and let the customers pay. To manufacture beautiful, durable
furniture at low prices is not so easy. It requires a different
approach. Finding simple solutions, scrimping and saving in every
direction. Except on ideas.
But we can't do it alone. Our business idea is based on a partnership
with the customer. First we do our part. Our designers work with
manufacturers to find smart ways to make furniture using existing
production processes. Then our buyers look all over the world for good
suppliers with the most suitable raw materials. Next, we buy in bulk —
on a global scale — so that we can get the best deals, and you can get
the lowest price.
Then you do your part. Using the IKEA catalogue and visiting the store,
you choose the furniture yourself and pick it up at the self-serve
warehouse. Because most items are packed flat, you can get them home
easily, and assemble them yourself. This means we don't charge you for
things you can easily do on your own. So together we save money... for a
better everyday life.
