Spotlight on design: strengthening innovation for more product and service sales

摘要

IKEA hit record sales in 2019 of $46.1 bn, including a 43 per cent jump in online revenues, in the competitive business of furniture retailing. Its total sales dwarf those of rivals, and much of its success comes from design-centric innovations. Each year, IKEA introduces a bevy of thoughtfully designed new products through its catalog, drawing buyers seeking affordable yet stylishly functional items. Among best sellers are its small space solutions to create, for instance, a big country kitchen in a small urban home or to convert a one-room studio into a bedroom, living room or workspace at the press of a button. IKEA regularly introduces new services as well, including assembling do-it-yourself kits for customers who do not want to put furniture together. The focus on design helps IKEA's innovations meet value and use expectations of buyers worldwide.