IKEA puts the “Real” back in Reality

Scroll through most social media today and you’ll find delightfully composed images of manicured gardens, perfectly frothed lattes, and the effortlessly styled “shelfie”– a photo of your prized positions artfully arranged on a shelf-like surface – now almost as popular as the original “selfie”.

Images of color coordinated, purely decorative accents abound, and all those cumbersome necessities, television remotes, laundry in need of folding, and kids’ toys (sometimes the kids themselves) are strategically hidden away. It’s easy to get frustrated when our own reality isn’t so picture perfect. However, IKEA’s marketing strategy is bucking that trend.

Instead of showcasing grand, two-story foyers and en-suite bathrooms large enough to live in, IKEA, the Sweden-based furniture retailer is embracing American families in their real homes and their realistic furniture needs. IKEA’s new campaign, featured in the New York Times, is called “We Help You Make It”, and Ikea promises on their website that “no matter who you are, what you do, or how much you make, you can still make the dream yours.”

After being inundated from all outlets with images of what our lives should look like, customers are embracing the idea of celebrating their own reality.

Our tip to small business building a brand and following: Instead of promising perfection, take a hint from IKEA and be there to help customers celebrate the everyday, even when it’s a bit crowded or messy.

Consumers are focusing on creating memories instead of accumulating things and the team at S. Walter understands what you need to elevate your products. Contact us for some inspiration of your own and let us help you create a little magic in the every day.