IKEA Expands in Colombia with Third Store in Envigado
“Hey Medellín! That’s how we say hello in Swedish.” This short message, displayed at the entrance of the new IKEA store in Envigado, warns of the imminent arrival of the third IKEA store in Colombia.
Spread across 18,000 square meters, the new warehouse is a testament to IKEA’s rapid expansion in the country. The store will create 300 new jobs in areas such as customer service, payment registration, and food.
IKEA has a long history, boasting 81 years of experience and 458 stores in over 50 countries. As part of its expansion plan, the company plans to invest US$600 million to open nine new stores in Latin America.
The Swedish furniture giant emphasizes its commitment to affordability and sustainability. Applying the concept of “democratic design,” IKEA works with local suppliers to create furniture and functional pieces, resulting in more affordable prices for customers.
From Sweden to Colombia
IKEA’s journey began in 1943 when 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad founded the brand in Sweden. Initially selling items like pens and wallets, the company gradually expanded its offerings to include furniture, marking a turning point in its history.
The name IKEA is derived from the initials of its founder, plus the names of the farm where he lived and his hometown. By 2021, the company employed 225,000 people worldwide and received over five billion visits to its global website.