IKEA Celebrates 50 Years in Australia with Iconic Designs and a Flatpack First: FLIP FLÖPS

This winter marks a major milestone for IKEA Australia, as the beloved Swedish brand celebrates 50 years of helping Australians create a better everyday life at home. Since opening its first store in Sydney’s St Leonards in 1975, IKEA has become a familiar fixture in Australian households, known for its affordable flatpack furniture, clever design, and of course, the classic meatballs.

To mark the occasion, IKEA has launched a playful nod to its heritage and Aussie culture: the world’s first flat-packed flip flops, known as FLIP FLÖPS. With over 3,000 pairs given away across the country, the limited-edition sandals combine IKEA’s hallmark ingenuity with Australia’s love for easygoing, beach-ready footwear.

As part of the anniversary, IKEA commissioned a national survey capturing just how ingrained the “big blue box” has become in Australian life:

  • 87% of Australians have visited an IKEA store at least once.

  • 81% have owned at least one piece of IKEA furniture.

  • More than 1 in 3 Aussies (35%) have gotten lost in an IKEA store.

  • And for some, the experience goes beyond furniture, with 5% of respondents  having been on a date at IKEA.

Today, IKEA employs more than 3,900 people across 10 stores nationwide, with more than 17 million store visits and over 105 million website hits recorded in 2024 alone.

Mirja Viinanen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Australia, reflected on the company’s journey:

“We have created a home away from home in Australia and cannot underestimate how honoured we are to have been embraced so generously by the many people who have and continue to welcome us into their homes. 

“What better way to thank our loyal customers, young and old, than with the bespoke, IKEA FLIP FLÖP – a playful blend of Swedish design and the Australian love for flip flops. It’s our way of saying thank you – and a reminder that after 50 years, we’re just getting started.”

As IKEA continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation, the Swedish-Australian connection remains strong – evident in both our homes and in the shared values of simplicity, functionality, and durable design.