Great Ikea!: A Brand for All the People (Great Brand Stories series) [Paperback]

Elen Lewis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 2005 | Series: Great Brand Stories series

IKEA has made hip and classic home designs affordable and attainable to the masses, and this book explains why. A captivating look at the history of the company and the magic behind its success, this analysis examines various aspects of IKEA's sensational branding technique, from its humble Swedish roots and recognizable product names to its training academy, Almhult School, and visionary founder, Ingvar Kamprad. IKEA's foray into non-European markets, including America and Asia, and what was adapted for each is discussed, as well as how and why this company has achieved such a loyal fan base. Valuable for entrepreneurs and fascinating to anyone who has ever visited an IKEA, this is an insightful look at this global phenomenon.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elen Lewis is the editor of Brand Strategy. She is a regular contributor to Financial Times, The Independent, and The Guardian.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Cyan Communications (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1904879209
• ISBN-13: 978-1904879206
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,238,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Important to go through this book, October 20, 2006

By 

R. Elgavish (Tel Aviv, Israel) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Ikea!: A Brand for All the People (Great Brand Stories series) (Paperback)

The book gives a brief overview of Ikea in a simple, easy to follow language and in a non-antagonist way of speaking - which I liked. The author combines personal insights and edits a short yet complete glimpse towards one of today's most influencial brands, and I think the book is highly essential for anyone with a certain level of awareness to contemporary culture of consumerism in relation to design. A must-have for all industrial and interior designers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unauthorized look at the IKEA brand., September 2, 2006

By 

frumiousb "frumiousb" (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Great Ikea!: A Brand for All the People (Great Brand Stories series) (Paperback)

Lewis has written a dense little book which describes the history and brand values of IKEA. The book is unfortunately unauthorized, so she has to rely on public record and clandestine interviews with current and former employees. While on the one hand that means that she probably gets more of the unofficial story, it also means that there is more risk that folklore gets mixed into the account.

This book is a good resource for anyone studying brand history or IKEA itself.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Ikea! A Brand for All the People, February 16, 2006

By 

Arjun Kirpalani - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Ikea!: A Brand for All the People (Great Brand Stories series) (Paperback)

The book describes the founder of Ikea in great detail. It also goes into the intricacies of the culture in the Swedish town where Ikea is headquartered. I feel the book does this very well and makes a good attempt to make us understand this world class company.