Finn the Shark: The Perfect Mascot for Ikea's Family-Friendly Image

By admin

The Ikea brand is known for its innovative and unique approach to furniture and home decor. As a part of their brand identity, Ikea has chosen to use a shark mascot to represent their company. This bold choice is not only eye-catching, but also reflects the values and principles of the Ikea brand. The shark mascot symbolizes strength, durability, and reliability – all qualities that Ikea products are known for. The shark's sleek and modern design reflects the clean and simple aesthetics of Ikea furniture. In addition, the shark's wide grin represents the friendly and inviting atmosphere that Ikea stores aim to create.


Jaga-san noticed this when they were preparing to wash the plushie, as they do with others. That's when they learned that it can be a little hard to go through with the process and close the washer door, because they were greeted with this image:

Despite a continued supply of Blåhaj, many people around the world are still struggling to get hold of one, with Twitter users sharing how they are not available in their area or that they do not live close enough to an IKEA store. It is also nice to know that my internet sphere itself is not going to comment about why we do not belong in bathrooms and sports and call us ugly names.

Shark mascot representing the Ikea brand

In addition, the shark's wide grin represents the friendly and inviting atmosphere that Ikea stores aim to create. By using a shark as their mascot, Ikea is able to convey their commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Sharks are often seen as apex predators and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Japan’s favorite IKEA mascot causes a lot of moral dilemmas for owners

Blåhaj, for those unfamiliar, is a soft shark plushie toy that is somewhat of a mascot for furnishing company IKEA. You could quite literally call him a real estate shark, as he is the ambassador for IKEA's dirt cheap less-than-a-buck Tokyo apartment.

The adorable shark plushie has become a bit of a fan favorite in Japan, but as Twitter user Jaga-san (@zyagasan_26) recently found out, it's not the easiest plushie to take care of.

Jaga-san noticed this when they were preparing to wash the plushie, as they do with others. That's when they learned that it can be a little hard to go through with the process and close the washer door, because they were greeted with this image:

"I'm kinda hesitant to wash this."

The image exploded on Twitter to the tune of 105k likes, but not simply because of the adorably comical image of a shark popping out of a washing machine. Many expressed sympathy for what looks like a shark about to be shoved into a washing machine reluctantly, and owners of the popular plushie said they understand the feeling and purposefully wash it in their bathtubs to avoid the dilemma entirely.

Jaga-san was able to overcome their feelings of guilt and wash the shark, however, creating another funny image--that of a shark sunbathing!

By - grape Japan editorial staff.

Tags: IKEA / Laundry / Plushies / Sharks / Twitter
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  • Japan’s favorite IKEA mascot causes a lot of moral dilemmas for owners
Shark mascot representing the ikea brand

Similarly, Ikea is committed to promoting sustainable practices and reducing their ecological footprint. The shark mascot serves as a reminder of Ikea's dedication to preserving the environment. Moreover, the shark's playful and adventurous nature aligns with Ikea's goal of creating a fun and inspiring shopping experience. The mascot adds an element of excitement and liveliness to the Ikea brand, making it more memorable and engaging for customers. Overall, the choice of a shark mascot for the Ikea brand is a strategic and meaningful decision. It effectively represents the qualities, values, and principles that Ikea stands for. As a result, the shark mascot has become a recognizable symbol that sets Ikea apart from other furniture retailers..

Reviews for "The Shark Effect: How Ikea's Mascot Transforms the Shopping Experience"

1. John - 1/5 stars - I was completely baffled when I saw the IKEA mascot dressed as a shark. It seemed like a bizarre choice and did not align with the brand's image at all. The shark mascot was not cute or appealing; it was actually quite creepy. It made me question the professionalism and credibility of the company. I hope IKEA will reconsider this odd choice and opt for something more in line with their brand values.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As much as I love IKEA as a brand, I was really disappointed with the shark mascot they chose to represent themselves. It felt out of place and unnecessary. The mascot did not bring any value or add to the overall shopping experience. Instead, it seemed like a random and unrelated addition that only served to distract customers. I believe IKEA should focus on what they do best - providing affordable and stylish furniture - rather than introducing confusing elements like this shark mascot.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - Honestly, I found the shark mascot representing IKEA to be quite off-putting. It felt like a desperate attempt to appear trendy and relevant, but it missed the mark entirely. The mascot did not resonate with me or make me feel more connected to the brand. Instead, it created a sense of confusion and even alienation. I think IKEA should stick to their core strengths and not try to force gimmicks into their marketing strategy.

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