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IKEA becomes more digital and accessible whilst embracing new ways to connect with more people
The IKEA Catalogue has a phenomenal 70-year legacy. Over the years it has become an iconic and beloved publication, and it has been an important success factor for the company to reach and inspire the many people across the world with home furnishing solutions and products. But times are changing.
The company has become more digital and accessible whilst embracing new ways to connect with more people. Customer behaviour and media consumption have changed, and fewer people read the IKEA Catalogue today than in years past. Inter IKEA Systems B.V., the worldwide IKEA franchisor, has therefore taken the emotional but rational decision to respectfully end the successful career of the IKEA Catalogue – and look to the future with excitement.
“For both customers and co-workers, the IKEA Catalogue is a publication that brings a lot of emotions, memories and joy. For 70 years it has been one of our most unique and iconic products, which has inspired billions of people across the world. Turning the page with our beloved catalogue is emotional but rational. Media consumption and customer behaviours have changed, and IKEA is already increasing digital investments whilst volumes and interest in the catalogue have decreased,” says Konrad Grüss, Managing Director, Inter IKEA Systems B.V.
Life at home has never been more important. During the last few years, the company has tested new formats and ways to distribute the content of the IKEA Catalogue. A wealth of knowledge and insights, from both customers and the company’s retailers, have been collected and considered in the decision to say goodbye to the IKEA Catalogue.
It is also clear that the inspirational home furnishing content is where the magic happens, and the home-furnishing company will continue to inspire and help people to plan their needs and dreams at home with existing and new exciting tools.
“Over the past few years, the company has been transforming many aspects of how to reach and interact with our customers, to meet customers wherever they are. Now the work will now continue to amplify the unique IKEA home furnishing knowledge, products and solutions in the best possible way – to inspire the many people through existing and new ways, channels and formats,” says Konrad Grüss.
The decision to say goodbye to the IKEA Catalogue goes hand-in-hand with the ongoing IKEA transformation to become more digital and accessible. Last year the company’s online retail sales increased by 45% worldwide,the company’s website welcomed more than four billion visits – and at the same time, the company has improved digital services, and launched new apps for a better IKEA experience – wherever customers meet the brand.
The company will honour and celebrate the fantastic history of the IKEA Catalogue. As a tribute, during the autumn of 2021, the company will make a book available for the customers in the stores, filled with great home furnishing inspiration and knowledge. With that said, the beloved IKEA Catalogue as we know it today will not continue.
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