10 Ikea secrets that will surprise you

1. Ikea is actually an acronym

The company's name combines the initials of founder Ingvar Kamprad and the first letters of the farm and village he grew up in — Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd. Known for being frugal, Kamprad is said to fly economy class despite his brand's mega success.

2. In 2012, one Billy bookcase was sold every 10 seconds worldwide

Today, it's still one of their global bestsellers. Bookcase, $99, Ikea. 

3. There are more than 300 Ikea stores worldwide

Ikea's headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden, is where product development for all its stores happens. It has a working "university," where products are designed and tested.

4. There's an Ikea museum

Also on site at the headquarters in Sweden, the museum displays rooms furnished in Ikea through the decades.

5. There's also an Ikea hotel

It's located on the same site as its headquarters and, of course, it's outfitted in Ikea furniture.

6. Ikea Canada was the first retailer to stop using plastic bags

This happened in 2009, across all Canadian stores. 

7. Ikea has its own beer

But you won’t find it in Canada.

8. Ikea's first flat-packed table was called the Lövet

It was designed over 60 years ago. The table is still available, now called the Lövbacken.

9. In 2015, Ikea Canada introduced a vegan-friendly veggie ball called the GRÖNSAKSBULLAR

They are made from chickpeas, carrots, maize and kale. Fun fact: 600 million people worldwide eat in Ikea restaurants every year.

10. Ikea has gone LED

As of August 2015, 100% of lighting products sold in Ikea Canada are LED or LED compatible. 

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