Packaging logistics and retailers’ profitability: an IKEA case study

Many businesses still put too much focus on manufacturing, marketing and sales without considering the inter-linkages amongst these elements. This paper shows the importance of including packaging logistics and supply chain management in strategic planning. By integrating these aspects, retailers and suppliers may reduce costs, environmental impact and increase profits. A case study at IKEA is used in the paper to demonstrate the issues. The importance of cooperation across the supply chain is identified as a key factor. Another conclusion is that even minor changes may result in big benefits since the scale of operation is so large.