Fill in the Blanks 1SP_MP09_UF2_SWOT_INFOOnline version SWOT analysis and sustainable business planning by GEMMA CLAVEROL FREIXA 1 market cornerstones environment packaging costs products sales range stores restaurants growth furniture targets depressed solutions price customers wide communication increase consumer range retailer worldwide costs IKEA is an internationally known home furnishing . It has grown rapidly since it was founded in 1943 . Today it is the world's largest furniture retailer , recognised for its Scandinavian style . The majority of IKEA's is flat - pack , ready to be assembled by the . This allows a reduction in and . IKEA carries a range of 9 , 500 , including home furniture and accessories . This wide range is available in all IKEA stores and can order much of the online through IKEA's website . There are 18 stores in the UK to date , the first of which opened in Warrington in 1987 . In July 2009 IKEA opened a store in Dublin too - its first in Ireland . IKEA stores include and cafés serving typical Swedish food . They also have small food shops selling Swedish groceries , everything from the famous meatballs to jam . Stores are located . In August 2008 the IKEA group had 253 stores in 24 countries , with a further 32 stores owned and run by franchisees . It welcomed a total of 565 million visitors to the during the year and a further 450 million visits were made to the IKEA website . IKEA sales reached 21 . 2 billion Euros in 2008 showing an of 7% . The biggest countries are Germany , USA , France , UK and Sweden . In 2008 IKEA opened 21 new stores in 11 countries and expects to open around 20 more in 2009 as part of its strategy for . Low prices are one of the of the IKEA concept and help to make customers want to buy from IKEA . This low strategy is coupled with a of well designed , functional products . IKEA's products cater for every lifestyle and life stage of its customers , who come from all age groups and types of households . This is vital in times when the retail sector is , as it increases IKEA's potential . Since it was founded IKEA has always had concern for people and the . The IKEA vision ? to create a better everyday life for the many people' puts this concern at the heart of the business . IKEA has responded to the public's rising concern for sustainability in its choice of product range , suppliers , stores and . It has also spotted business potential in providing sustainable . IKEA's concern for people and the environment encourages it to make better use of both raw materials and energy . This keeps down and helps the company to reach its green and have an overall positive impact on the environment .
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