Full episode available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SilentGeneration
On this week’s episode of Silent Generation the boys discuss what makes IKEA one of Joseph’s favorite companies. They begin by briefly summarizing how IKEA was founded by Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad in 1943 before detailing the various innovations that made it successful (the showroom model, flat packing, and self-assembly). They then talk about how IKEA acts as a point of cross-cultural exchange between Sweden and the United States through its furniture and food products. Amongst other things they discuss how IKEA just released their largest premium collection ever and may be experiencing the effects of premiumization, how IKEA was a pioneer in using recycled materials but is still responsible for 1% of the world’s annual wood consumption, and how IKEA has eight categories of consumers that they cater to but most strongly appeals to people in their 20s.
Links:
Everyday Tastes from High-Brow to Low-Brow, 1949
Everyday Tastes from High-Brow to Low-Brow, Modern Interpretation
Hacking IKEA - 99% Invisible
IKEA - Acquired Podcast
House Perfect by Lauren Collins
IKEA Invented "Eureka Spiritis" to Showcase Its Quality Furnishings by Laura McQuarrie
At what age do people stop shopping at Ikea? by Zachary Crockett
What's New at IKEA | IKEA's New LUXURY Collection!
Why You Might Want To Throw Away Your Black Kitchen Utensils and Takeout Containers by Christine Byrne
These Ugly Big Box Stores are Literally Bankrupting Cities - Not Just Bikes
Artwork:
Jmho, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Recorded on 5/12/2025
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.