In this episode of Acquired, we explore the remarkable journey of IKEA, from its humble beginnings as a small mail-order business selling trinkets to becoming the largest furniture retailer in the world. The podcast delves into the frugal roots and entrepreneurial drive of Ingvar Kamprad, showcasing groundbreaking ideas like the showroom-catalog model, flat-pack furniture, and the innovative "hot dog" strategy, which focuses on offering low-priced, high-volume items. Additionally, the episode examines IKEA's distinctive corporate structure, designed to maintain long-term independence and resist short-term pressures, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities the company faces in today's e-commerce landscape.
