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The Story of IKEA

Follow the timeline to discover stories on innovation and insights, big mistakes and great ideas.

Product stories 1950s

Life at home 1950s

1950s IKEA catalogues

The rocking ’50s

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.

When IKEA opened its new furniture showroom in Älmhult in 1958, everyone was there: the county governor, the chairman of the municipal board, along with press and critics from Stockholm, all curious to see the latest move from furniture rebel Ingvar Kamprad.

Price wars

Ingvar Kamprad’s experiment in selling furniture went well. So well, indeed, that the traditional furniture industry felt threatened by the rebel from the province of Småland. A price war started, boycotts were introduced, and competitors used every trick in the book to stop IKEA.

Where should the sofa go?

Selling furniture is one thing. Helping people realise their dreams is quite another. For IKEA, good tips and advice are just as important as design and low prices.