Ikea is celebrating its 35th year in Italy and the milestone of having sold over 1 million Billy bookcases.
In 1989, the Swedish group arrived for the first time in Milan. Since then, it has sold over 1.5 million Billy bookcases, over 1 million Poang chairs, and served more than half a billion Swedish meatballs, which if not digested could cover the distance between the equator and the North Pole!
Photo: Dreamstime.com
Italy represents the fifth largest market in the world for the brand, with nearly 8,000 co-workers and a widespread presence in the territory with 41 stores - from the iconic 'blue boxes' to the more recent Plan & Order Points - which have welcomed over 40 million visitors in the last year.
When the Swedish chain arrived in Italy, it introduced an innovative business and sales model: a ritual that began with browsing the catalogue; sent every year to the homes of thousands of customers and becoming a true collectible item; to the journey in the stores, where to find inspiration and buy furniture directly to assemble at home, easily transportable thanks to packaging in flat packs.
Source: www.ansa.it