IKEA’s Global Marketing Strategy

IKEA’s Global Marketing Strategy

1. What were the sources of IKEA’s successful entry in furniture retail business in Sweden?

The sources of IKEA’s successful entry into the furniture retail business were IKEA’s low prices and resilience. First, Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, began selling furniture in his mail order company. Then he was faced with a social problem and turned it into a business opportunity. Since 1935, furniture prices rose faster than any other retail good at 41%. Kamprad responded by creating a line of furniture priced so that all could afford it. The present furniture cartel attempted to stifle Kamprad’s growth and success. The cartel banned Kamprad from selling directly to the consumer at shows, then managed to persuade the manufacturing cartel to stop supplying Kamprad with furniture. Kamprad responded by supplying elsewhere and now could charge even lower prices. IKEA’s success was due largely to low prices and Kamprad’s ability to capitalize on bad situations.

2. What forces are driving changes in the industry?

Originally, the postwar boom helped drive the furniture industry’s change. World War II drained the life out of many households, and newer innovative changes were sought by many. The tradition of handing down furniture from generation to generation was quickly disappearing in most households. IKEA helped shape the postwar household by offering new furniture styles at a very reasonable price. With low costs came a new innovative style and a comfortable atmosphere to shop in.

4. What factors do you see as critical to competitive success in the furniture industry?

Ingvar Kamprad believes that a company's "identity", company guidelines, profile, selection, quantity, quality and price are critical to the success a company will have in the furniture business. Another factor that could add to the success of a company in the furniture business is internet marketing and selling along with catalogs of the company's merchandise.

The range of products should cover the total home area, indoors as well as outdoors, with fixed furniture or loose furniture. The profile a company will want to bring to the table will give competitors and buyers a direct image of the company. There should be a wide selection of products along with the quantity of stock to sell to all customers. Quality and price are also an important factor but should be left up to the consumer to decide what they are looking to do in the long run.