Writing a case study could be very time-consuming and a little challenging of sorts if you haven’t worked on such an elaborate piece of writing before. The definitions of a case study describe it as a comprehensive analysis of a person, organisation, event, war, or phenomenon that still needs to be fully understood.
In this piece, you will be learning about IKEA case study writing. The entire write-up briefly discusses the history, significant achievements, business model, and objectives of this global furniture giant.
About IKEA
In the year 1943, IKEA was established by Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden. He was only 17 years old at that time and was determined to provide good-quality furniture to every home at an affordable cost. Initially, it was founded as a mail-order sales business and dealt with a large number of items.
About five years later, the company began to sell furniture exclusively. After tasting success in its native ground, IKEA soon started to expand its operations; it set up its first overseas stores in Norway in 1963 and Denmark in 1969.
By the end of the 80’s decade, the company had successfully established well-functioning stores in various other countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Netherlands, France, Spain, Belgium, the US, the UK, and Italy.
Products & Services
IKEA is primarily known for its furniture and homeware, but recently, it forayed into other niches.
Home Furniture
IKEA provides furniture that has to be assembled by the customers. The company claims that it has been a major reason behind its cost-effective solutions as it curbs the cost on various fronts. The company also puts a great effort into streamlining its manufacturing process and using sustainable options such as Medium-Density Fireboard (MDF).
Design Services
In the year 2021, when the world was still reeling under the aftermath of Covid 19, IKEA took an initiative that enabled customers to design their homes digitally using augmented reality. They launched the IKEA Studio with Apple Inc and facilitated the contactless interior of homes.
Smart Home
Under this initiative, IKEA took their furniture design to a whole new level. They collaborated with electronics manufacturers like Philips Hue and Sonos to integrate their furniture with wireless charging and smart speakers, respectively.
Furniture Rental
In the wake of environmental awareness, the company tested a new concept in 2019. Another fact that drove this move was the common notion that IKEA products are disposable after a few years. So the company gave an option to the customer to use the products for a specific time, after which they would be returned for getting a revamp.
Business Model
IKEA is controlled and operated in different countries by a number of for-profits and not-for-profit organisations. The structure focuses on two things which are franchising and operations. When we look into its corporate structure, we hear two prominent names, Inter IKEA System and INGKA Holding. Both the entities handle various stores across the globe and oversee the operations too.
And when we talk about operations, we should look at the store formats. The traditional IKEA stores follow the typical multi-storeyed showroom model. They also have smaller store formats spanned across the area of 9300 m2 in Ottawa and Heerlen.
Environmental Initiative
In 1992, IKEA initiated the Environment Action Plan that focused on reducing energy and optimising the impact of resources. They replaced polyvinylchloride (PVC) in many of their products and minimised the use of formaldehyde too. They emphasised using only recyclable material and using wood from responsibly-managed forests.
Summing Up
IKEA has been an iconic brand in its domain that has maintained a sterling reputation with cutting-edge products and pioneering initiatives. The company has managed to be abreast with the changing preferences of customers and has successfully anticipated the customers’ needs. With the help of IKEA case study writing, you get to learn about the myriad moves that companies are always at the forefront of. And if you need help in drafting such a detailed case study, you know you can always take the help of experts.
