Schipul – The Web Marketing Company Helps IKEA Houston Store Connect Locally Via the Web
Global brand bucks conventional wisdom with local focus
HOUSTON, August 31, 2010 – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings company, has often blazed its own trail. Although most global brands prefer a centralized marketing approach, IKEA Houston today announced that Schipul – The Web Marketing Company (www.schipul.com) has completed the ground-up redevelopment of a Houston-focused website, www.IKEAHouston.com. The newly relaunched website coincides with the recent grand reopening of the IKEA Houston store, which was renovated and remodeled to enhance the shopping experience.
Schipul used the open source Drupal content management platform to organize and present the IKEA Houston online catalog and order from the local store online. Unlike most online retailers, however, the Houston store follows up with a phone call to verify the order and arrange for pick-up or delivery.
“We consider the IKEA Houston website to be an extension of the in-store experience, which means we make it friendly and personal,” said Kim Castillo, marketing manager with IKEA Houston. “The Schipul team did a great job of redesigning the website to be inviting and visually interesting while also enabling us to keep it updated with the latest products, events and promotions.”
With the open source Drupal software powering their site, IKEA Houston can update and revise the written and visual information on the site without going through a third party. Upcoming ‘Free Wednesday Workshops,’ daily restaurant specials and product additions to the catalog are maintained and promoted with utmost ease.
The new website also features the store’s social media activities and makes it easy to friend IKEA Houston on Facebook and follow the Houston store on Twitter.
“The upgraded IKEA Houston website is designed to empower the Houston store to intensely focus on the interests and needs of their Southeast Texas community by delivering valuable information and opportunities to interact,” said Schipul – The Web Marketing Company founder and President Ed Schipul.
Schipul’s addition of a customizable line of Drupal-powered Web sites extends and complements the Tendenci® online management software it develops and markets. Schipul’s Drupal Site Design packages include installation, module enhancements, Drupal upgrades, and custom Drupal themes.