FX.co ★ 10 ways IKEA changed home furniture retailing

1. IKEA is a one-stop store for a family day out

The customers who would like to veer off the IKEA-approved route at stores often cannot find the exit. Of course, it is impossible to get lost, but it is quite possible to spend all day there. Few retailers can boast of that.

Cozy cafes, where you can have a snack after shopping, game rooms for children are there to ensure that customers are in no hurry to leave.

2. IKEA offers reusable bags or large trolleys

IKEA makes it clear that it cares about the environment. At the same time, providing customers with big reusable bags and trolleys, it ensures they comfortably walk around the store and buy everything they want.

Empty bags and trolleys create a void that needs to be filled.

Placing logo on bags is a delicate maneuver used today by all retailers.

3. IKEA customers are treated like old friends

IKEA has been named one of Fortune's top 20 best workplaces. And it is not surprising. Since IKEA provides benefits and opportunities for advancement, it is a pleasure to work in the company. Happy staff is known to be helpful staff. Customers note that IKEA's staff is friendly and welcoming.

4. IKEA gives you a place to sit and relax

IKEA provides a winding path through the store punctuated with relaxing spaces for weary shoppers to rest their feet.

If you are tired of searching for furniture and household goods, there are relaxing spaces to rest your feet. IKEA is also famous for its in-store restaurants, where they offer you delicious meatballs after shopping.

5. IKEA offers affordable prices

Retailers often use the compromise price effect. Two similar items are placed next to each other — one at a regular price, another at a slightly lower price. Customers will most likely opt for the second one being sure they got a good deal.

6. IKEA's prices end in 9

When a price ends in the number 9, it is considered 'charm pricing.' In a study by Colorado State University and Washington State University, researchers asked participants to choose between two identical pens: one at $2.00 and the other $3.99. Amazingly, 44% of the participants chose the higher-priced pen.

7. IKEA offers to solve your problems

IKEA positions itself not just a furniture store, it is also a friend that will help solve all your problems.

Every year more than 780 million people come to IKEA stores, which is equal to the population of a large country. IKEA treats its customers with care and attention, respecting their budgets.

You can create a cozy corner at home or decorate your office paying not so large amount.

8. They offer cheap items and a huge number of accessories

Buyers often leave stores with low-priced candles and plastic pallets. There is a huge array of containers for storing clothes, shoes, things and toys. It is impossible to choose one thing.

They are designed to break a psychological barrier and get consumers shopping so that starting once it will be difficult to stop. Ingvar Kamprad made it so there will always be just one more thing that you do not mind spending money on.

9. Ingvar Kamprad turned search for a bargain into a treasure hunt

People feel like they are on a treasure hunt and finding a bargain that someone else missed as all furniture sold by IKEA is inexpensive. Music is played so that to keep people either moving fast through the store or to slow them down if they need to have a closer look. Moreover, there are no shelves at the checkout, leaving no chance to get rid of unwanted items.

10. IKEA prioritizes efficiency

Buyers are ready to assemble furniture by themselves for its low price, given that it is not that difficult. Kamprad sought to boost efficiency in everything. Thus, he pioneered flat-pack, ready-to-assemble furniture in 1953.

The furniture can be upgraded with the least financial costs. Having bought one chair, but two cases, differing in colors, you will get two different chairs.