In 2018, the founder of the popular furniture retail giant, Ingvar Kamprad, passed away at the age of 91. Kamprad was the mastermind behind the global phenomenon known as IKEA, which has become synonymous with affordable and stylish home furnishings.
Born in Sweden in 1926, Kamprad started the company in 1943 at the young age of 17. He began by selling small items like pens, wallets, and picture frames to his neighbors in rural Sweden. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for business opportunities soon led him to expand his product line to include furniture.
Kamprad’s vision for IKEA was to provide well-designed, functional furniture at prices that the average person could afford. He believed that everyone deserved to have a beautiful home, regardless of their income level. This philosophy resonated with consumers around the world, and IKEA quickly grew into a global brand with stores in over 40 countries.
Under Kamprad’s leadership, IKEA revolutionized the furniture industry with its flat-pack, self-assembly products. Customers could now purchase large pieces of furniture and easily transport them home in compact, easy-to-carry boxes. This innovation not only saved on shipping costs but also made it possible for customers to take their furniture with them when they moved.
In addition to his business acumen, Kamprad was known for his frugal lifestyle and down-to-earth personality. Despite his immense wealth, he famously drove an old Volvo and stayed in budget hotels while traveling for work. He believed in living simply and prudently, values that he instilled in the company culture at IKEA.
Kamprad’s legacy lives on through the continued success of IKEA, which remains one of the world’s largest and most beloved furniture retailers. His vision of making stylish and affordable home furnishings accessible to all continues to inspire customers and employees alike. Though he may no longer be with us, his impact on the world of design and business will be felt for generations to come.