The history of IKEA: From a small company to a global furniture

Who doesn't know IKEA, the Swedish furniture company that has become a part of many people's lives around the world, including in Indonesia? Known for its minimalist, functional designs and highly affordable prices, IKEA has revolutionized the furniture industry. 

Let's take a journey through our inspiring history, from humble beginnings to becoming a global brand beloved by many.
 

IKEA's history: From Sweden to the world

We didn't become a giant overnight; we have a long history that can inspire many. Starting from small beginnings, IKEA is now a brand remembered and loved by many people.
 

How did IKEA start?

IKEA was founded by Ingvar Kamprad in 1943 in Sweden when he was just 17 years old. Initially, Kamprad started his business as a small company selling household goods through catalogs. The name IKEA is an acronym for Kamprad's name, his family farm Elmtaryd, and the village where he grew up, Agunnaryd. 

In the 1950s, IKEA began introducing the concept of flat-pack furniture that customers could assemble themselves. This innovation made IKEA's products more affordable and easier to transport, giving customers the freedom to customize furniture according to their needs.
 

IKEA’s global expansion

In 1958, IKEA opened its first store in Älmhult, Sweden. This store became the model for other IKEA stores around the world, featuring self-service and innovative product designs. IKEA continued its rapid expansion, opening stores in various European countries, followed by North America, Asia, and Australia. 

IKEA's mission is "to create a better everyday life for many people" by offering a wide range of functional, high-quality home furnishings at affordable prices. 

The "flat-pack" concept introduced in 1956, where furniture is shipped in unassembled components, allowed IKEA to save on transportation and storage costs, thus offering lower prices to customers.
 

IKEA’s history in Indonesia

Before officially arriving in Indonesia, IKEA Indonesia had its own history. The first IKEA store in Indonesia opened in Alam Sutera, located west of Jakarta, on October 15, 2014.
 

Who owns IKEA Indonesia?

IKEA in Indonesia is a part of Dairy Farm International Holdings, a subsidiary of Jardine Matheson Group. IKEA Indonesia also collaborates with various local partners. These partnerships involve raw material suppliers, construction contractors, and logistics companies. 

By involving local partners, IKEA not only contributes to Indonesia's economic growth but also ensures that the products sold in Indonesia meet the local consumers' needs and preferences.
 

When did IKEA first arrive in Indonesia?

IKEA's presence in Indonesia began long before many people realized. IKEA started in Indonesia in 1990 through IKEA Supply. 

At that time, IKEA’s primary focus was partnering with local suppliers to produce IKEA products. In other words, although there were no physical IKEA stores, products made in Indonesia had already become part of IKEA's global product lineup. 

However, the first official IKEA store opened in Alam Sutera in 2014, marking a new chapter for IKEA in Indonesia. Since then, consumers have been able to visit the store and shop for various household products. 

Since then, IKEA has continued to expand in Indonesia, opening several new stores in major cities, bringing the functional home concept and distinctive Swedish aesthetics closer to Indonesian society.
 

IKEA locations in Indonesia

Currently, IKEA has several stores in Indonesia, including: 
 
  1. IKEA Alam Sutera, Tangerang
  2. IKEA Sentul City, Bogor
  3. IKEA Kota Baru Parahyangan, Bandung
  4. IKEA Surabaya, East Java
  5. IKEA Bali, Bali
  6. IKEA Jakarta Garden City, East Jakarta
  7. IKEA Mal Taman Anggrek, West Jakarta

For more detailed information about IKEA stores across Indonesia, such as opening hours and exact locations, you can visit our location page on the website.
 

Which countries does IKEA operate in?

IKEA has successfully expanded its reach to various countries around the world. In addition to Indonesia, IKEA is present in countries such as: 
 
  • Europe: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the UK, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine. 
  • Asia: China, Japan, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Israel. 
  • North America: United States, Canada. 
  • Oceania: Australia. 

This rapid growth highlights the high demand for well-designed, affordable furniture, as well as IKEA's ability to meet customers' needs across the globe.
 

Why is IKEA successful in Indonesia?

IKEA’s success in Indonesia is driven by several factors, including:
 

Functional designs and affordable prices

IKEA's success in Indonesia is largely due to its ability to offer quality products at affordable prices. The functional and innovative furniture designs appeal to Indonesian consumers, especially with the growing trend of minimalist homes. 

With a wide range of products, from living room furniture to kitchen appliances, IKEA offers home solutions that meet both functional and aesthetic needs.
 

Commitment to sustainability

In addition to design and price, IKEA is known for its commitment to sustainability. IKEA strives to reduce its environmental impact through the use of eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste in the production process. 

In Indonesia, this has become an added value for consumers who are increasingly concerned about environmental issues. IKEA is committed to using recycled and sustainable materials, and encourages its customers to make more environmentally conscious consumption choices.
 

IKEA’s future in Indonesia and commitment to growth

We continue to prioritize sustainability as a key part of our business. We are committed to using eco-friendly raw materials, reducing waste, and conserving energy in both production and operational processes. This aligns with the growing awareness among Indonesians about the importance of protecting the environment. 

Find the IKEA products that suit your home and create a comfortable and functional atmosphere on every corner. With a wide range of affordable products, IKEA is ready to help you create a better and more efficient home. 

Invite your family and friends to visit the nearest IKEA store or visit our website at www.ikea.co.id to see the latest collections and exciting offers available. Visit us now and discover inspiration for your dream home! 

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