The IKEA Cafeteria is a curious place where Swedish Food is served at affordable prices. More of a social locale, a soft evolution, a gathering spot for every walk of life. People head to the the big blue box with bright yellow letters not only for furniture or housewares. Meatballs, coffee in a open clean well lite setting attracts all ages for different reasons. At one table a retired couple enjoyed coffee and cake. At the small play area, a mother watching her two children playing the spin game. In keeping with the times, the restaurant has become a cheap WeWork alternative with several small groups of students using open laptops, having conversations.
As brick-and-mortar department stores struggle attracting foot traffic, this 82-year-old retailer continues to stay relevant with customers, filling a need one way or another.
The “newness factor is hard to resist. It’s impossible to have a quick stay at one of the 504 stores worldwide. The business model seems to work in every location, once in, get the wallet ready. Grab a portion of meatballs before navigating the soft sell maze, on the left a bright kitchen design, on the right, a dark kitchen design.
Whatever IKEA is doing, perhaps other clothing retailers should take a class in Nordic Culture.