The war ends and neutral Sweden gets a head start, boosting its economy and sense of community. From playing shop as a small boy, Ingvar Kamprad founds IKEA and a new era is dawning.

In the shadow of the Cold War, Sweden experiences a time of self-confidence and progress and Swedes have more money. IKEA opens home furnishing showrooms and what will become the first store in Älmhult.

The world is rocked by ideological conflict. In Sweden, social reforms improve living standards. A building boom creates a need for home furnishings and an IKEA flagship store opens in Stockholm.

A decade defined by political activism and discussion around consumerism. A good fit for the unpretentious style of IKEA. Despite the looming oil crisis, the great expansion begins.

As the global recession subsides, luxury consumption makes a comeback. The IKEA product range gets lost in attempts to keep up with global trends and the IKEA identity becomes muddled.

The yuppie fades away and IKEA struggles with an identity crisis. It’s time to go back to the Scandinavian roots. While becoming a truly global brand, IKEA reclaims its soul.

An era of new challenges and innovation for the world and for IKEA. The climate crisis climbs high on the global agenda, and the digital revolution changes everything.

In a world of urbanisation and housing shortages, financial worries and rising nationalism, IKEA intensifies its efforts to contribute to global sustainability for people and planet.