According to Fast Company, Ikea’s parent company Ingka Group reported €41.5 billion in revenue for 2025, representing a 0.9% decline from the previous year. New CEO Juvencio Maeztu, who took over in August after Jesper Brodin’s departure, describes the results as “mostly flat.” The company is fighting inflation to maintain low prices while preparing for Trump’s 50% furniture tariffs announced in September. Despite the revenue dip, store traffic increased 1.3%, online sales grew 4.6%, and overall item sales rose 1.6%. Maeztu has been with Ikea for over 25 years, previously serving as deputy CEO and CFO.
Flat is the new up
Here’s the thing about that revenue number – in today’s economic climate, flat might actually be winning. We’re talking about a company that’s deliberately choosing to absorb costs rather than pass everything along to customers. And when you consider they’re facing both inflation AND upcoming 50% tariffs, holding revenue basically steady while actually selling more items? That’s a strategic choice, not failure.
The new CEO’s playbook
Maeztu’s background tells you everything about where Ikea might be heading. He started as a store manager in Madrid and later ran Ikea India – that international experience is crucial when you’re dealing with global supply chains and tariffs. After seven years as CFO, he understands the numbers better than anyone. So when he says he’s okay with flat revenue, he’s not just being optimistic – he’s making a calculated bet that market share and customer loyalty matter more than short-term profits.
Manufacturing reality check
Let’s talk about what 50% tariffs actually mean for a company like Ikea. That’s not just a price increase – it’s a complete restructuring of their manufacturing and supply chain strategy. Companies that rely on industrial computing for production planning, like those using industrial panel PCs from IndustrialMonitorDirect.com to monitor assembly lines, are facing similar recalculations. When your entire cost structure gets thrown out the window, you either adapt quickly or get left behind.
The bigger picture
What’s really interesting here is the disconnect between the headline revenue number and what’s actually happening underneath. More people are visiting stores, more people are buying online, and they’re selling more items overall. Basically, Ikea is doing everything right operationally while making a conscious decision to protect their price-sensitive customer base. In a world where everyone’s chasing growth at any cost, maybe there’s something to be said for strategic stability.
