Our history
Our founder
Teodor Ingvar Kamprad was born in Sweden in 1926 into a humble family and he created from nothing what we all know today as the Swedish furniture giant: IKEA.
Since he was barely 5 years old, Kamprad was clear that he wanted to set up your own company. That way, he started from the bottom: selling matches among his neighbors and two years later he decided to cover more market with his bicycle.
Later, he realized the advantages of buying products wholesale in Stockholm and selling them to a lowest price in your town. As you can see, from a very young age he already had a business vision.
And so IKEA was born
In 1943, at the age of 17, he received money from his father for getting good grades. Rather than splurge, as any young man his age would have done, Kamprad decided to found the IKEA brand, which he began by selling watches, picture frames, pens, and other products demanded by his neighbors.
Five years later, in 1948, the young man Swedish decided to include furniture among its articles. Back then, it was pieces of furniture made by local cabinetmakers that he delivered with his milk delivery van.
As you may already know, IKEA's prices are fantastic
As you may already know, IKEA prices are fantastic. And for their collaborators they are even better. If you work with us you have discounts when shopping at any IKEA store in the world.
The first exhibition
Opening of the first IKEA store
It was in Älmhult, Sweden, in October 1958. Today you can find the IKEA Museum there, where it is exhibited for customers as a symbol of the beginning of this great business adventure.
Do you know why IKEA is so named?
IKEA is named after the initials of founder Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd, the farm where he grew up, and Agunnaryd, the nearby village.
The IKEA Catalog
It's a Swedish tradition that IKEA puts into practice all over the world. More than a coffee break, "fika" is a time to share, mingle and relax with colleagues. At that moment some of the best ideas are born and great decisions are made.
FROM HUMBLE ORIGINS TO GLOBAL BRAND
Annual report 2022
We have grown, we are becoming more and more sustainable, more diverse and we are closer to our customers.
View here the non-financial report 2022 of Grupo Sarton:
Open PDF
Other non-financial reports:
Non-financial report 2021
Non-financial report 2020
Non-financial report 2019
Non-financial report 2018
Equality plan 2023
At IKEA we stand of equality, supporting fundamental rights and ensuring that all people who work here have equal opportunities. Always.
Gold Seal of Equalizing DR 2023
We are the first retail company to receive the Equalizing DR Gold Seal. At IKEA we reaffirm our commitment to equality and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities.
Open press release PDF
Video - At IKEA we are committed to equality