Best Buy is once again experimenting with new store-within-a-store concepts. This time, the partner is IKEA U.S. This is the first time IKEA products and services will be accessible through another U.S. retailer, creating innovative ways for both retailers to meet customer needs in a rapidly changing environment. Beginning this fall, Best Buy shoppers in select markets can get inspiration, planning support, and make purchases for their kitchens and laundry rooms.
“When you’re shopping for new electronics, whether it’s a laptop or a TV or a washing machine, it’s important to understand the technology and make a decision based on how it will help you, your family and your home in your everyday life,” said Patrick McGinnis, chief merchandising officer at Best Buy. “With this partnership, we get to combine technology and design and show shoppers what’s truly possible in their home like never before.”
Last year, Ikea sales fell for the second time in 20 years — the only other instance being in 2020, when the pandemic stopped customers from making pilgrimages to Ikea locations to see BILLY bookcases in person and sample the Swedish delights at their in-store restaurants. The 2024 revenue drop came after the world’s largest furniture seller discounted a range of thousands of items at an average rate of 10%, having previously raised prices on pandemic-era supply issues.
Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets.
For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.
