In an attempt to reach more customers in different areas in China, Swedish furniture manufacturer IKEA has now launched its first mobile app in the country. Apart from reaching out to places where it doesn't have a presence yet, the app is also meant to showcase the company line-up of products otherwise not yet available in its stores.
The introduction of the new mobile app is part of the company's Future-plus strategy in the country, a plan that it originally announced in August last year. Part of the strategy will be to boost the company's online presence in the region, where most have already adapted to the online shopping and e-commerce trend.
The new IKEA mobile app, which is currently in testing mode, was developed by IKEA Digital Hub China. The company was established in July of last year and is comprised of more than 250 locally and internationally hired digital exports. The app itself took the company almost six months to develop, form its planning stage to its test launch this week.
Similar to its other app developed for select markets, the app launched in China was developed specifically for the company's Chinese customers. As of the moment, IKEA has developed three different mobile apps, namely its IKEA Store app, IKEA Place, and its main IKEA app.
The app made available to Chinese consumers will contain most of the functions of the company's other apps, including an integrated product management system, inventory listings, a membership system, payment systems, and a comprehensive delivery options suite. To make buying furniture online more convenient, Ikea's Chinese app will include payment options using WeChat Pay and Alipay.
IKEA China also aims to boost its digitalized services, which include digital interior designing and product customization. The company also mentioned in a statement that it would be developing other online channels that will be made available to its Chinese customers. For its future plans, IKEA stated that it would soon allow customers to check out 3D versions of its furniture, which can then be overlayed into its customer's homes via augmented reality technologies.
IKEA, which has been relatively successful in China since its entry into the market two decades ago, plans to make huge investments in the country this year. The company is reportedly planning to make its largest annual investment in the country of over 10 billion yuan. Part of the funds will be used to expand the company's digital footprint, while the rest will be used for its further expansion.
