Ikea to stop publishing iconic catalogue after 70 years

IKEA is to stop publishing its iconic catalogue after almost 70 years, the Swedish retailer confirmed today.

The current edition of its Ikea catalogue, which was released in the summer, will be the last to be published.

Ikea is ditching its catalogue after 70 years - here are its last ever cover and one from 1988 — Ikea is ditching its catalogue after 70 years – here are its last ever cover and one from 1988

Ikea releases its catalogue once a year and it’s free for shoppers to pick up.

The announcement today marks the end of a 69-year tradition for the flat-pack furniture giant, having published its first catalogue in 1951.

Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad put together the first Ikea catalogue, with 285,000 copies printed and distributed in Sweden only.

The first UK catalogue was available in 1988, with the book now available in all Ikea stores across the globe, as well as a digital version on the Ikea website.

The first digital “Ikea at office” catalogue was released in 1998 – but Ikea confirmed to The Sun that this will also stop next year.

But the retailer has announced plans to launch a book in autumn 2021, which it says will be filled with Ikea furniture and home inspiration.

Ikea describes the book as a “tribute and celebration” of its catalogue, but it’ll be a one-off publication rather than a yearly release.

The current catalogue covers the Ikea range from summer this year, going into 2021.

The announcement from Ikea follows a similar move from Argos, which announced it would stop printing its catalogue after 50 years back in July.

The retailer, which specialises in homeware, electronics and toys, is “bidding a fond farewell” to the book as shoppers increasingly turn online.

Konrad Grüss, managing director, inter Ikea systems BV, said: “For both customers and co-workers, the Ikea Catalogue is a publication that brings a lot of emotions, memories and joy.

“For 70 years it has been one of our most unique and iconic products, which has inspired billions of people across the world.

“Turning the page on our beloved catalogue is in fact a natural process since media consumption and customer behaviours have changed.

“In order to reach and interact with the many people, we will keep inspiring with our home furnishing solutions in new ways.”