IKEA Retails
Abstract
IKEA is a well-known global brand that provides high-quality furniture at a low cost. Currently there are outlets in 37 countries all over the world and IKEA is continuing to expand. As the company expands they must adapt to culture-specific needs while at the same time continuing to be loyal to their original concept. IKEA has strong relationship with suppliers which help them to be cost leader in the furniture industry as well as a strong social and environmental policy. Their image of quality and affordability is an asset and their unique decision to go to flat packs provided portability and greater storage capacity. IKEA has weaknesses greatest of which is a resistance to change. They also lack transparency between divisions, have high staff turnover, and have difficulty forecasting demand. They have opportunities in the trends toward streamlined customs, increases in e-commerce, popularity of franchising and the current popularity of minimalist styles. The threats come from strong competition from superstores, government regulations and, because of their snail like pace of change, advances in technology and dramatic style changes pose large threats.
Introduction
Furniture Industry Trends
As the world economy is developing fast in the past 10 years, the furniture markets have opened up more and the world furniture industry has been growing fast. Over 70% of the global market has been taken up by the traditional furniture making countries. This is possible because of their long established production capacity, advancement in science and technology, solid funds and rich management experiences. Meanwhile, developing countries and regions like China, Southeast Asia, Poland and Mexico, with China taking the lead, have built upon their respective competitive advantages and gradually have covered almost 30% of the world market. The furniture industry in such countries is developing strongly and showing great...