IKEA has been in Canada since 1976. Business Week’s cover story for November 14, 2005 is an interesting profile of a business that has had ‘the most global success of any mass-market retailer’ - and makes cool looking furniture.

When Roger Penguino heard Ikea [sic] was offering $4,000 in gift certificates to the first person in line at the opening of its new Atlanta store, he had no choice. He threw a tent in the back of his car and sped down to the site. There, the 24-year-old Mac specialist with Apple Computer Inc. pitched camp, hunkered down, and waited. And waited. Seven broiling days later, by the time the store opened on June 29, more than 2,000 Ikea fanatics had joined him. Some were lured by the promise of lesser prizes for the first 100. Others were just there for the carnival atmosphere (somebody even brought a grill). The newly wed Penguino got his certificates and bagged a $799 Karlanda sofa and a $179 Malm bed, among other items. He also achieved celebrity status: “Whenever I go back, employees recognize me and show me the new stuff.”

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[tags]ikea,business week,roger penguino,furniture,swedish[/tags]