Pankaj122. IKEA
Headquarters: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA
Bought By: Stichting INGKA Foundation
Headquarters: Leiden, Netherlands
IKEA: those iconic blue and yellow stores, the endless aisles of flat-packed furniture, the beloved Swedish meatballs, and the allen wrenches that either lead to a sense of accomplishment or mild frustration. Founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad in Älmhult, Sweden, IKEA’s ethos is rooted in accessible, stylish, and affordable Scandinavian design.
While its sprawling warehouses are dotted across the U.S. and have become a staple of American home furnishing, its origin is deeply Swedish. Its product names, ranging from the poetic (like ‘BILLY’ bookcase) to the whimsically complex, are a nod to its Nordic roots. The next time you lounge on a ‘KLIPPAN’ or eat from a ‘LACK’ table, remember the Swedish legacy behind it!