IKEA is making a move to further their smart home tech products. On August 16, 2019, they announced the “IKEA Home Smart,” a new Business unit. 2012 marked the beginning of the Ikea Home Smart, but now it will operate as an individual business entity, with Björn Block leading the group.

Previous Home Tech Experience

IKEA has dabbled in the tech space with items such as speakers with Sonos, smart lighting, and other products. This current move will push them further into the tech space. Block stated, “We want to continue offering products to better home life for people moving forward.”

Their announcement of advancing in the smart home area shows how ambitious the Swedish retailer is in the tech space.

IKEA has experimented in areas outside of the traditional home category for a few years. In 2015, they brought out items with wireless phone charging options. In March of 2017, they brought out the smart lighting system, Tradfri. This past April, they partnered with Sonos to offer the Symfonisk products, consisting of a bookshelf speaker and table lamp speaker.

A Focus on Mobile as Well

In addition to their smart technology products, they are shifting focus to mobile experiences. This includes the announcement that the initial testing for a new app with shoppable feed and AR functionality is in the works.

Following Industry Trends

This comes after a growing trend for retailers in the home products niche to offer more advanced technology products. The mattress company, Casper, announced in February that they would offer a smart night light for sleep aid. In addition, several furniture providers offer VR and AR technology with their apps, providing a more realistic shopping experience.

Block stated, “The IKEA Home smart business unit will be the driving force in the digital transformation of our business, transforming and improving it. We are just getting started to bring more smart and diverse products to many people.”

Source:

https://www.retaildive.com/news/ikea-doubles-down-on-smart-home-tech/561276/

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