If you’re a fan of stylish yet affordable furniture, there’s exciting news on the horizon: IKEA is preparing to make its products available for purchase online. No longer will you need to rise at dawn to navigate the crowds at one of the sprawling retail outlets. Instead, you’ll have the luxury of shopping from the comfort of your own home in your coziest pajamas.
IKEA’s Chief Executive, Lars Andersson, highlighted the shifting landscape of retail in a recent statement to the media. The iconic Swedish brand is set to pilot its new online shopping options in 2018, and many anticipate this move will be a game-changer. While the company hasn’t confirmed which online platforms it will collaborate with, Amazon is a leading candidate given its recent expansion into home furnishings. Amazon has also launched a marketplace for handcrafted home items, making it a strong contender for IKEA’s offerings.
Currently, IKEA does sell a limited selection of items through its own website. However, as someone who has been redecorating their space, I can attest that the items you love often aren’t available online. When they are, the shipping fees can be exorbitant, leaving customers waiting for weeks to receive their purchases. A partnership with Amazon could streamline this process, especially for Prime members who are accustomed to the convenience of two-day shipping. “On digital platforms, we currently only sell our products through our own website, and we recognize that the competitive landscape is evolving,” Andersson remarked. Indeed, with competitors such as Wayfair, Joss & Main, Target, and West Elm, the pressure is on.
Andersson emphasized IKEA’s unique position in the market: “Our strength lies in our ability to design, produce, and distribute our own exclusive range.” This distinctiveness has resonated with consumers, evidenced by a 7 percent sales increase last fiscal year, bringing total revenue to $38 billion. With the prospect of online shopping, we can expect that figure to rise even higher—especially as we can conveniently click “add to cart” from our phones, tablets, and computers. The ease of online shopping may also help us overlook the challenges of assembling IKEA furniture, a task that often tests our patience.
For those interested in exploring family planning options, check out our post on the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit. Additionally, for more information on pregnancy, visit Healthline’s pregnancy resource. For further insights into family dynamics, consider reading this authority blog post.
In summary, IKEA’s anticipated foray into online sales via platforms like Amazon marks a significant shift in how consumers will experience the brand. With the promise of easier access to their beloved products, shoppers can look forward to a more convenient and enjoyable purchasing journey.