Farewell to the IKEA printed catalog: an era ends

Farewell to the IKEA printed catalog: an era ends
70 years have passed since the first publication in 1951, that of 2020 will be the last: the IKEA catalog is retiring. The announcement today, a little suddenly, interrupting what for many had become almost a tradition. A choice dictated both by the need to adapt to changing times and to the desire to keep faith with the commitment made in terms of support for sustainability initiatives.

IKEA will no longer print its catalog

The way of conceiving the domestic space changes, solutions for smart homes take hold and the physical support gives way to the digital one. The Swedish group cannot ignore this, even in the name of accessibility to information. This is how Konrad Grüss, Managing Director of Inter IKEA Systems, explains the decision.

For customers and collaborators, the IKEA catalog is a publication that brings with it many emotions, memories and joys. For 70 years it has been one of our most unique and iconic products, inspiring billions of people around the world. Turning the page is exciting, but rational. The consumption of multimedia content and customer habits have changed, IKEA is increasingly investing in digital. Volumes and interest in the catalog have decreased.



The press release states that over the last year the company's online sales have increased by 45% worldwide. A trend also driven by the pandemic scenario and the difficulties related to travel. Grüss continues.

In recent years, IKEA has transformed many aspects in relation to how to reach and interact with customers, to meet them. Now the journey continues, expanding in the best possible way Ikea's unique experience with regard to home furnishings, products and solutions, to inspire people through existing channels, new ways and new formats.

Per worthily celebrate the end of an era, a book will be published in autumn 2021 that traces the history of the product. It can be purchased at over 430 points of sale distributed in 52 countries globally.

5 curiosities about the IKEA catalog

On this occasion the Swedish group shares 5 curiosities that in 70 years have marked the history of its catalog.

In 1951 it was the founder Ingvar Kamprad who composed the 68 pages of the first edition, appearing on the cover sitting in a brown armchair, 285,000 copies were printed and distributed; in 1998, the first IKEA at Office catalog available on the Internet represented a special edition with products intended for professionals; in 2000, for the first time, both paper and digital versions of the classic catalog were made available; in 2001 the group launched its e-commerce, initially active in Sweden and Denmark; in 2016 the catalog was distributed in 200 million copies (record volume) divided into 69 different versions and 32 languages ​​for over 50 markets worldwide. Source: IKEA