IKEA Ends 70-Year History of Printed Catalogs... "Meet Us Online"

Increase in Online Customers Amid COVID-19
Existing Business Models Like Warehouse Stores Maintained

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Swedish furniture company IKEA has decided to discontinue its printed catalog, which it has produced for 70 years. IKEA explained that this decision reflects the trend of increasing online searches.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 7th (local time), IKEA announced the cessation of printed catalog production through a statement. IKEA said, "The disappearance of the beloved catalog is a decision based on changes in media consumption patterns and consumer behavior," adding, "We will inspire new ways of home furnishing with IKEA."

With this decision, the 2021 edition published last October became IKEA's final printed catalog. IKEA has been producing printed catalogs since 1951. Since 2020, it has produced both printed and digital versions simultaneously.

The decision to discontinue the consistently popular printed catalog was largely influenced by changing consumer trends.

IKEA noted that with the increase in people staying at home due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the proportion of product searches conducted online has risen. This has also translated into sales, with online sales accounting for 45% of total sales over the one-year period ending in August this year.

Regardless of the catalog discontinuation, IKEA plans to maintain its warehouse-style stores and restaurants. Additionally, besides stores built on the outskirts of cities, IKEA plans to increase accessibility both in urban areas and online by introducing small-scale showrooms.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.