They are directly involved in projects that shape how customers experience IKEA’s products in-store and online. The work focuses on creating displays and layouts that communicate functionality, affordability, and inspiration, which are the cornerstones of IKEA’s brand identity.
A big part of the internship revolves around contributing to room setups and product displays inside the store. Interns often help design and implement layouts that showcase how different pieces of furniture can be combined in practical, stylish, and affordable ways. These projects are not just about aesthetics but about showing customers how IKEA products fit into real homes and lifestyles.
Interns also work on seasonal or campaign-based projects. For example, when IKEA launches a new collection or promotes a seasonal theme, interns may be tasked with assisting in the design, planning, and setup of themed areas. These projects test both creativity and discipline, as everything must align with IKEA’s global guidelines while still resonating with local market needs.
Another key area is signage and communication inside the store. Visual merchandising interns contribute to the placement of signs, labels, and wayfinding systems that help customers navigate efficiently. These projects emphasize clarity and consistency, since IKEA stores are large and designed to encourage discovery without creating confusion. The intern’s role is to support that balance through practical design contributions.
Interns also get exposure to backend planning. They may work on mapping floor plans, experimenting with product adjacencies, or analyzing customer movement data to understand how layouts influence shopping behavior. These projects highlight the strategic side of visual merchandising, showing that it is not only about visual creativity but also about driving sales and enhancing the customer journey.
Collaboration is another central part of the projects. Interns work with store managers, marketing teams, and product specialists to bring concepts to life. A project might involve proposing ideas, creating sketches, sourcing materials, and coordinating with different functions to ensure smooth execution. This hands-on teamwork gives interns insight into how visual merchandising sits at the intersection of design, operations, and customer engagement.
Explore detailed insights into IKEA’s internship programs and discover how you can start your own journey with real-world projects, hands-on learning, and a culture built on creativity and sustainability.