Berlin
Prices are rising everywhere, so even Ikea’s affordable furniture is no longer an option. “Billy” now costs up to 53 percent more.
If you compare the current prices in the current Ikea catalog with the prices from a year ago, you will find that the prices of popular items have increased partially doubled. Unusual for the furniture giant, which is known for its low prices, among other things.
What is behind the high price increase at Ikea?
Furniture retailer Ikea justified some of its abrupt price hikes by citing rising purchasing, transportation and energy costs. Prices will increase by an average of nine percent worldwide, according to Ikea at the end of 2021. However, they are nine percent just an average. They say nothing about the price development for German Ikea customers. These can sometimes even be much higher. Here are some examples that Bild has put together:
- Bookshelf Billy: price increase by 53 percent
- Wardrobe Pax: Price increase by 50 percent
- Nesttun bed frame: price increase of 131 percent
- Desk Malm: price increase by 81 percent
Other examples: The Utespelare Gaming Desk went from €99.99 to €199, an increase of 99 percent. That’s exactly what the Slattum bed frame currently costs, which was still available in the catalog for 99 euros in autumn 2021. Beds and desks saw the biggest price increases. If you want to buy something else, you also have to expect price jumps – in all product categories.
What does IKEA say about this?
According to a written statement from Ikea, it was apparently unavoidable to change the prices for some items in the range in the past 2022 financial year. Previously, the company had “most of the cost increases in the global supply chain [selbst] caught,” says a spokeswoman to “Bild”. With the stabilization of the supply chains and improved inventories, prices have been reduced since autumn 2022 and thus also in the current 2023 financial year.
the largest furniture retailer in Germany therefore does not want to rule out future price increases: “Nevertheless, we are not immune to the current economic challenges, such as significantly increased purchase prices, not only for our range, but also for energy and transport.” (ew)
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