Abstract
IKEA was founded in the late 1940s by Ingvar Kamprad, an entrepreneur from Sweden, who hit upon the idea to offer home furnishing products of good function and design at much lower prices than competitors by using simple cost-cutting solutions that did not affect the quality of products.
With a total of 300 stores in more than 35 countries, more than 130,000 employees and figures reaching 21.5 billion Euros in 2009, IKEA is clearly the leader in the home furnishings industry in the world.
The brand has realized great success across the world due to:
Relatively low prices with regard to its competitors.
The relocation of its factories to countries where the cost of labor is low (For example, India and China).
A wide range of products adapted to each customer.
Good relationship with its customers
Privileged relations with its suppliers
Capacity to adapt its product to each customer's need and to innovate.
IKEA offers 100% natural furnishings in keeping with the current global outlook of protecting the environment. As a result of its collaboration with respected designers, IKEA innovates by offering furniture of quality and new designs.
