KUWAIT18 July, 2010: IKEA the globally renowned Swedish furnishing store is known for the right quality furniture it's the very basic fundamental at IKEA. That is why it is so important that products sold at the store maybe of the lowest prices due to economies of scale and flat pack transportation but will never be compromised when it comes to right quality.

Its simple, IKEA bases its assessment of "the right quality" on the needs of its customers.

Explaining the right quality concept implemented across all IKEA stores, IKEA Kuwait Store Manager Emile Al Shaar says "The determining factor here is the way in which the products will be used. To make sure that all IKEA home furnishing products meet the expectations and requirements of the customers as well as all the mandatory standards and norms, the products are pre-tested over in the IKEA Test Laboratory."

IKEA has a fully accredited test lab in Älmhult (Swedin) which tests both textiles and furniture. Some 50,000 tests are carried out in accordance with current norms and standards each year. For several years in succession the IKEA Test Lab has been accredited for its quality system and test methods in accordance with the international standard ISO 17 025. •In some cases where no EU-standard exists, Möbelfakta (Swedish Furniture Research institute) is adapted to ISO Standards.

The IKEA Test Lab examines almost all types of products and materials used in the IKEA range. At IKEA great emphasis is laid on the functionality of products and their safety as well. Thus ultimately IKEA adheres to Swedish and all other industry standards on product safety and quality ensuring that the customer comes back not just for low prices but for the right quality products that the Swedish retailer has to offer.

IKEA products must meet the customers' demands not only in terms of design, function and price, but also with regard to safety, stability and durability. To take one example, a table-top is usually subjected to a great deal more wear and tear than a bookshelf. That's why a table-top may require four coats of protective lacquer, while two are generally enough for a bookshelf. In this way IKEA saves on materials, and customers can buy their bookshelves at a lower price.

The quality of IKEA products is also evident in the guarantees the IKEA Store provides for a wide range of its products ranging from 5 years on most of its sofas to 15 years on kitchens and much more.

Ultimately the goal of IKEA is to adhere to all safety standards and ensure that the customer comes back not just for low prices but for the good quality product that this Swedish store offers.

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For more information, please contact:
Aabha Gandhi
PR Manager
Memac Ogilvy & Mather
Office No:+965 22258700
Direct No: +965 22258725
Fax No: +965 22258701
Mobile No: +965 66938820
Email: aabha.gandhi@ogilvy.com

Jayda Al-Farooqi
Senior Public Relations Account Executive
Memac Ogilvy Public Relations, Kuwait
Office: +965 22258719
Mobile: +965 66069529
Fax: +965 22258701
Email: jayda.al-farooqi@ogilvy.com

© Press Release 2010