Ikea has announced it will scrap parts of its Malm range, a staple of British bedrooms for 25 years. The decision comes as the Swedish retailer phases out its iconic catalogue after 70 years, shifting focus to online sales.
The Malm bed, introduced in 2005, became one of Ikea's most popular products. However, the company is now streamlining its range, with some Malm items set to be discontinued. Ikea's managing director Konrad Grüss said the catalogue, which inspired billions, had printed its final copy as more consumers shop online.
Ikea's history includes many iconic products. The first flat-pack item, the Lovet side table, debuted in 1956. Other notable pieces include the Max foldable bed (1958), the Polo armchair (1967), and the Tornum CD tower (1997). The Malm range itself has been a fixture since 2005.
The first UK catalogue was produced in 1987, coinciding with Ikea's arrival in Warrington, Cheshire. At its peak in 2016, over 200 million catalogues were printed globally, translated into 32 languages.
