IKEA tunes up co-worker talent to bring harmony to your home and your headphones

Earlier this year, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, ran its first ever global talent show to identify its previously unsung musical heroes. IKEA Talents was a celebration of creativity and togetherness, offering every co-worker, regardless of role or location, a chance to showcase their abilities to create lyrics, melodies and music. 150 musical talents and dreamers from across 21 countries hit all the right notes, submitting entries full of creativity and passion. Country finalists then went to an all-company finale, with the global workforce of 165,000 able to vote for their favourite act.   

The global winner, Thomas, from IKEA Austria, said: “To know that there are colleagues from around the world that voted for me is crazy!” 

Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group, explained there was a surprise in store for Thomas, and the next top five musical acts: “The winners joined together, from all parts of the world, to record their songs at Atlantis Studio in Stockholm, where ABBA recorded many of their hits. And as a group we recorded the additional new song, the bonus track Coming Home. This highlights the theme of Tillsammans, meaning ‘together’ in Swedish, a core value of our 80-year-old company.” 

As the songs were recorded, it became clear Ingka Group couldn’t keep these melodies to itself, so a Spotify playlist featuring the top 15 acts from IKEA Talents has been created and will be released to the public and will debut across all IKEA stores globally from 23rd October, including the bonus track Coming Home, which was written by Brodin. 

“IKEA has given us an outlet to express our talent, our gifts”, commented Cristle from IKEA USA. 

A Global Musical Journey 

Brodin reflected on the experience: “We introduced IKEA Talents to engage colleagues and highlight creativity and togetherness. With this, we want to keep strengthening our culture where talents thrive, and colleagues feel connected even when they are many miles away from each other. 

“Watching our talented team together at Atlantis Studio was truly something special. We’re thrilled to now share their talent with the world. It’s a testament to the power of togetherness and creativity.” 

Jeesam, from IKEA Philippines, one of the top six finalists, explained what music means to him: “Only music can express your true feelings. … My heart is full right now.” 

The Spotify playlist is now available for streaming worldwide. What makes it even more special is that the songs will also be played in IKEA stores from 23rd October, inviting customers and co-workers alike to enjoy the sounds of global talent while they shop. 

Brodin added: “We’re finally now engaging all your senses during your visit to IKEA. Not only will you see inspiration for your home, smell the fresh cinnamon buns baking, feel the softness of our blankets or the comfort of our couches, taste our famous plant balls in the restaurant, but you’ll also hear our co-workers music playing throughout the store.” 

Playlist now available on Spotify, and all major streaming platforms. 

About Ingka Group

With IKEA retail operations on 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.Ingka.com.