Full episode available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SilentGeneration 

On this week’s episode of Silent Generation the boys discuss what makes IKEA one of Joseph’s favorite companies. They begin by briefly summarizing how IKEA was founded by Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad in 1943 before detailing the various innovations that made it successful (the showroom model, flat packing, and self-assembly). They then talk about how IKEA acts as a point of cross-cultural exchange between Sweden and the United States through its furniture and food products. Amongst other things they discuss how IKEA just released their largest premium collection ever and may be experiencing the effects of premiumization, how IKEA was a pioneer in using recycled materials but is still responsible for 1% of the world’s annual wood consumption, and how IKEA has eight categories of consumers that they cater to but most strongly appeals to people in their 20s. 

Links:

Everyday Tastes from High-Brow to Low-Brow, 1949

Everyday Tastes from High-Brow to Low-Brow, Modern Interpretation

Hacking IKEA - 99% Invisible 

IKEA - Acquired Podcast

IKEA Museum

House Perfect by Lauren Collins

IKEA Invented "Eureka Spiritis" to Showcase Its Quality Furnishings by Laura McQuarrie 

At what age do people stop shopping at Ikea? by Zachary Crockett

What's New at IKEA | IKEA's New LUXURY Collection!

Why You Might Want To Throw Away Your Black Kitchen Utensils and Takeout Containers by Christine Byrne 

These Ugly Big Box Stores are Literally Bankrupting Cities - Not Just Bikes

Artwork:

IKEA Store in Yokohama, Japan

Jmho, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Recorded on 5/12/2025