Retail therapy
Next time you Google your latest relationship dilemma, you may be surprised to find IKEA popping up in the results. In their new ad campaign created by Swedish agency Akestam Holst, IKEA renamed their products based on the most popular relationship questions on the web. IKEA has always been considered quirky, but now they have really stepped up their game.
Too much truth
The campaign, titled “Retail Therapy,” includes items like moving boxes renamed “How to Make Long Distance Work.” As you scroll through their list of products, you will find yourself smiling, laughing, and perhaps even wondering if IKEA hacked into your web history based on the searches they have come up with.
Most pairings are literal, which make the titles all the more hysterical. For instance, if you search “My Brother and I Don’t Have a Connection,” IKEA recommends an extension cord. For those of you wanting answers about why “My boyfriend doesn’t see me,” IKEA suggests purchasing a lantern candle holder.
Some products take a little more consideration, such as a garlic peeler renamed “How to Say I’m Not Interested.” But then you realize IKEA is really offering sound advice. What better way to deter someone than garlic breath?
Take a page out of their book
As we admire the wittiness of IKEA’s newest marketing strategy, we can also appreciate how genius it is to utilize these search terms. By associating themselves with these popular phrases, they’re increasing their site’s SEO. So now there is one more avenue leading you to IKEA.
This isn’t the first time IKEA has pushed the boundaries of marketing. Throughout this year, their ads illustrated modern family problems like divorce and children leaving home. With all of their ads, IKEA reinforces that they are there to help you.
Whether you need a mattress wedge because “She Doesn’t Want to Cuddle,” or you simply want easy, affordable furniture, IKEA has your back. Is your marketing speaking this directly to consumers?
#stealthisidea
Natalie is a Staff Writer at The Real Daily and co-founded an Austin creative magazine called Almost Real Things. When she is not writing, she spends her time making art, teaching painting classes and confusing people. In addition to pursuing a writing career, Natalie plans on getting her MFA to become a Professor of Fine Art.
