For anyone who has struggled through IKEA in Beijing on a weekend can relate to this article. It's a madhouse packed with thousands of people. People sauntering, sitting in chairs, taking photos, eating, sleeping under covers, each display - packed with people. They even cover the toilet bowl displays with plexiglass.
I found this article in the LA TImes intriguing because from a retailer perspective IKEA is doing everything right - they are drawing people in from a wide trade area, offering an attractive product, providing convenience - but how do they get people to buy?
Actually people are buying. A lot. IKEA knows this which is why they are developing IKEA all across China. IKEA also closely tracks what people are buying which gives them insights into consumer behavior unrivaled by many foreign retailers. Chances are there is something from IKEA in most Western styled Chinese homes in Beijing. Taking this type of data and modeling it into consumer behavior patterns is one of the things we do. Unfortunately we don't provide amusement park crowd control security - yet.
LA TImes: Beijing loves IKEA -- but not for shopping
<< Previous Luxury Brands Gain Momentum in China Despite the Global Slowdown | What is Self? Next >>