SWEDEN (Notifix).- The IKEA Group total sales increased to EUR 27.9 billion ($37.38 US billion) in the financial year 2013 ended August 31st, an increase of 3.1% compared to the previous year (+3.6% adjusted for currency impact). Sales in comparable stores grew by 1.8%. “Value for money is increasingly important to our customers – and our sales development shows that people all over the world appreciate our concept of good quality, well-designed products at low prices”, said President and CEO Peter Agnefjäll.

“Reducing household energy bills is the most important issue for many people today when it comes to living more sustainably at home. In the last year, we sold 20 million energy saving LED products at affordable prices, helping people to do just that. And by 2016 we will convert all of our lighting products to LED to help even more people save money at home. Sustainability should not be a luxury good,” added Peter Agnefjäll.

Some of the strongest growth was in Russia and China, and there was also significant progress in North America during the past year. While southern Europe continued being affected by the current economic situation, the IKEA Group continued gaining market shares in almost all markets.

IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943. Today, the IKEA Group has 303 stores in 26 countries and currently employs 139,000 people. The global furniture manufacturer and retailer received 690 million visitors in fiscal year 2012. The full year report, The IKEA Group Yearly Summary, will be published in January 2014.