Introduction
IKEA is an internationally known home furnishing retailer. It has grown rapidly since it was
founded in 1943. Today it is the world's largest furniture retailer, recognised for its
Scandinavian style. The majority of IKEA's furniture is flat-pack, ready to be assembled by the
consumer. This allows a reduction in costs and packaging. IKEA carries a range of 9,500
products, including home furniture and accessories. This wide range is available in all IKEA
stores and customers can order much of the range online through IKEA’s website. There are
18 stores in the UK to date, the first of which opened in Warrington in 1987. In July 2009
IKEA opened a store in Dublin too - its first in Ireland.