Goodbye Futura, Goodbye IKEA
Aug 26th,
2009
I’ve heard Rick mention the “country-fication” of IKEA that’s happening, and this has pretty much slammed a lid on that theory. Today, TDP friend Mig Reyes tweeted about IKEA’s announcement that they will no longer be using Futura in their branding, but instead have opted to use web-friendly, horribly inappropriate Verdana in its place. Part of what makes IKEA who they are is that typeface—its timeless round characters and sharp, modern angles voice the brand in a clean and chic but also friendly manner. Verdana has its uses, and this isn’t a good one. I don’t know how this will bode well for them, especially if they’re trading in some of their signature furnishings for more Martha-esque pieces. Thoughts? Read the announcement here.
Edit: ‘The Country-fication of IKEA’ will be published later this week. IKEA truly is slipping and it’s terribly sad to see. –Ricky
(Last image via ShortFormBlog)
Terrible. Just terrible.
I could see using a web friendly face for body copy and notes and other things that no one really pays much attention to, but they’re doing this for headlines as well? And are they keeping futura in their printed material? What kind of consistent branding is that?
no, they’re getting rid of futura altogether. and yes, they’re using it for evvvvvverything.
So disappointing. How could anyone at IKEA think this is a good idea?
I added another image of what this looks like in print.
K-Mart catalog anyone?
thanks for adding that, ricky. helps to see it in its full shiteousness.
ahh i noticed that! such a bummer.