With the opening of the first IKEA showroom dedicated to business in Shuwaikh, the leading brand in life at home is set to propel entrepreneurship forward. This distinct location serves as a new meeting point for business customers, located where the first IKEA was established in 1984. It pays homage to the IKEA roots in Kuwait, honoring the company’s foundational values while embracing a forward-thinking vision to shape a stronger and more innovative future.
IKEA for Business offers end-to-end solutions to the different and unique needs of all sectors, including residential, hospitality, retail, education, services, health and beauty, and many more. The showroom successfully communicates the ethos behind IKEA for Business services. From a fully-fledged salon, cafe, bespoke hotel rooms, and design spaces to an array of office set-ups, the showroom speaks to Kuwait’s business community. It is a testament to the country’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Marino Maganto, CEO for IKEA Kuwait, Jordan, and Morocco, said, “Last year, about 8,000 new companies were registered in Kuwait. Small and medium businesses account for 90% of all the businesses in the country. In 2013, small enterprises accounted for a turnover of 10 billion USD, and the amount last year was 20 billion USD. And I think that sounds convincing enough for everybody to want to focus on businesses, right?”
So let’s get down to IKEA for Business in Shuwaikh. “While IKEA is a well-known brand to create a better home, however, not everyone knows that at IKEA we have a division that caters to all business needs, from A to Z.” said Maganto, “Our new IKEA for Business showroom not only stands for our commitment to inspiration but also for our dedication to supporting businesses in Kuwait. Whether you have an existing business that you want to renovate, or you are about to start a new project, whatever the size of your business or the sector you are in; the IKEA you love for your home, is here to help your dream business come true.”
We asked Maganto about how the showroom could serve the typical local entrepreneur, and he offered the location as a one-stop shop. “We’ve been thinking about this space for a while now. We know that the entrepreneurs of today are extremely busy, and this space has combined all of our innovative IKEA solutions for business under one roof. Not many people associate us with offering business solutions, but this is a natural part of our operation, and this business showroom offers entrepreneurs this statement. We created a new concept on how our team interacts with customers by introducing a dedicated Account Manager to help you with whatever you need to get your business ready.”
“We can help you help your clients,” he said, “We can help you find that electrician, contractor. We are currently in the process of closing deals with the biggest construction companies in the country because we understand that the entrepreneur wants a hassle-free journey. They are not interested in the details, they are interested in having a plan, a timeline, and a budget.” This is what entrepreneurs will experience with IKEA for Business Planning Services, a team of experts who will guide you from the moment you decide to turn your business dream into a reality.
The IKEA for Business showroom is not only a huge milestone for IKEA Kuwait, but it is also one to be celebrated on an international level. “It’s never been done before at this scale IKEA-wide. A typical business hub will always feature the expected furniture, chairs, desks, lights, and here, these elements are not even twenty percent of how we can power businesses in Kuwait.”
A walk-through of the showroom is like walking through a vibrant business hub in a typical city. True IKEA fans will appreciate how IKEA storage solutions like PAX or BESTA can be utilized in a quaint flower shop, a swanky hotel room, and a calm beauty salon. First stop by the serene Salon & Spa for a spot of indulgence, or pass by the Nuwair florist shop and get ready to get inspired for your next special event.
You can even take a break at the café, named Café Sicilia. It is fully equipped with the best IKEA solutions, from the coffee cups, and candles, to the indoor and outdoor furniture. This line-up of fully functional business spaces greet passers-by, and the offices ‘down the road’ are fully connected, the desks are movable, and everything simply works.
CEOs are given special attention with bespoke spaces and meeting rooms and there’s even a complete Kindergarten that will transform how we create educational spaces for our little ones.
All of these spaces have been designed utilizing innovative solutions from IKEA, typically seen in the home, but transformed for a business environment.
As for bringing it all together just in time to launch your grand business idea, the IKEA for Business team of experts will help with everything else, from design and planning to creating visual mood boards for your business to execution, delivery, and installation.
“Small or big, new or well-established, whatever your project, we’ve got you covered! Any idea you have in mind, we are with you from the beginning to the end: from imagining your space, to planning, designing and selecting your preferred furnishing solutions. We make it all a reality in an easy and convenient way, so you can focus on what is important, making your business a success story,” said Maganto.
Perhaps what is most enticing is how all these services and offerings are presented in one vibrant, exhilarating space. IKEA caters to both businesses and individuals, ensuring that whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, you have access to the same comprehensive planning services. These services, available at every IKEA customer meeting point, are now amplified at a much deeper level, empowering you to realize your every business and personal dream. From designing functional workspaces for your company to creating the home of your dreams, IKEA is committed to supporting your journey every step of the way.
To close our conversation, Maganto concluded, “Furnishing your themed hotel spa, finishing the renovation of your office, launching your new apartment building, refreshing your café or salon during a special season, planning school projects for the new year, or furnishing your dream home or your brand-new chalet for your family gathering, has never been easier. IKEA for Business has it all, under one roof, offered from businesspeople to businesspeople! Let’s talk Business!”
For more information about IKEA for Business, please visit: https://www.ikea.com/kw/en/ikea-business/