Ingka Group turns IKEA store car parks into flea markets in Belgium, France, and Sweden to help customers extend the life of their products. This initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Keep good things going’ campaign launched in 2023 to promote the care and passing on of IKEA products.
The campaign includes the IKEA Buy Back Service and the As-Is areas, with flea market events at various stores. "At Ingka Group, we believe all furniture deserves a longer life. Flea markets are excellent for passing on products, reducing waste, and supporting customers to buy and sell second-hand," says Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ingka Group. Over 211,600 customers used the Buy Back Service last year, indicating strong interest in sustainable practices.
IKEA Retail Sweden held flea markets in April 2024, attracting many bargain hunters and promoting product reuse. Johanna Nordell, Sustainability Manager at IKEA Retail Sweden, notes the significant interest in these events, which align with the company’s strategy to make circular services affordable and accessible.
Upcoming flea markets will also take place in Belgium and France, with Belgium's largest event set for June 8, 2024. Nathalie Van Edom, Sustainability Manager for IKEA Belgium, emphasizes the event's community aspect and its support for the Welcome Home program aiding vulnerable single-parent families.
