Ikea is trialling a peer-to-peer marketplace that will enable consumers to sell their second-hand furniture. Initially only available in Madrid and Oslo, the flatpack giant does have plans to expand its Ikea Preowned platform globally.
“We are in a place in Ikea where we can do more advanced and cool stuff. There is an incredible confidence in the company evolving on digital,” Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka, told The Financial Times in an interview published Monday 26 August.
Customers can upload pictures of their unwanted furniture, a description and the price they would like. Ikea’s artificial intelligence powered database will then add measurements and any promotional images.
The buyer collects the furniture directly from the seller, who has the option of receiving money or a voucher from Ikea with a 15% bonus. Listings are free but Brodin said Ikea could eventually charge “a humble fee”.
“We’re going to verify the full scope including the economics. If a lot of people use the offer to get a discount with Ikea — it’s a good way to reconnect with customers. I am very curious. I think it makes business sense,” he added.
This latest pre-loved platform compliments Ikea’s wider sustainability efforts. In May, the retailer expanded its car boot sale offering, following a successful pilot last year. The Swedish furniture giant hosted events at its Cardiff, Exeter and Milton Keynes stores, giving more customers the opportunity to sell and purchase pre-loved homeware.
Furthermore at the end of last year, Ikea launched a new mattress removal scheme, giving UK customers a convenient and sustainable way to recycle their old mattresses.
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