eaming to bring an interactive, shoppable online element to its celebrations on 3 September.  Shoppable livestreams are still relatively uncommon in Australia, and the team at Ikea Australia have consulted with their international colleagues on what has and hasn’t worked in the past, to ensure their first foray into livestreaming is successful.  “We think it’s only a matter of time until [shoppable livestreaming] explodes here in Australia,” Ikea Australia’s life at home specialist, Ainslie Woodham, told Inside Retail. “If you look at the influx of apps like TikTok and BeReal, we know that customers are looking for content in a different way, and that’s really exciting,” Woodham explained. “We need to look at how to make interesting and exciting content for these new services.” One of the common messages from newer social media, and from younger shoppers in general, is that people want more authentic content from brands that aren’t afraid to be imperfect – something Ikea is taking on board. “We feel like it’s a massive opportunity moving forward, but obviously, with uncontrolled elements comes the need to be agile and flexible, and to almost lean into it rather than worrying,” Woodham said.  “You’ll have the ability to watch and engage through our chat, and we’ll have Ikea experts on hand who can talk directly back. For me, this is the ultimate showcase of the theme of the festival – we’re showcasing content and inspiring our viewers, and will be able to connect and take them through that e-commerce experience live.” The festival will also be the first time Ikea ventures into TikTok content, Woodham said. The livestream will be available on Ikea’s website, and is mainly focused on delivering a solid mobile experience.  Woodham said there would also be workshops helping educate customers on how to prepare plant-based food, content with local influencers, and live music across the business’ local stores.   Small space, big impact Tips and products for small-space living have become big global business in design, as more people around the world are being pushed into high-density living.  And though this typically refers to people living in units, or granny flats, or even just a single room in a shared space, some people are taking ‘small space’ living to a new level – something to which the booming popularity of ‘van life’ can attest.  At Ikea Australia’s Tempe store, the business is working with travel influencer Sam Evans to bring its own version of van living to life . “[Sam] talks quite passionately about his connection to nature and having an early morning surf ritual in place, and then he’s going to take us through this van that he lives in, and his tips and tricks for how he gets the best out of that space,” Woodham explained.  “It’s all about making sure that the space allows the freedom that van life ensures, while avoiding the complexities that come with small-space living.” Evans’ converted Combi will be parked at the Tempe store for customers to look through and learn about, bringing an online and offline experience together.  Though this is the first time Ikea has stepped into van living, the business has been focusing on small-space living for some time – with the Covid-19 pandemic having accelerated its offering.  “There’s definitely a push. Everybody has some small-space solution requirement, whether they’re living in a five-bedroom home 20 minutes away from the city, or in high-density units,” Woodham said.  “It’s something that we pride ourselves on – being able to find out what the real needs of our customers are, and sharing those solutions both in-store and online to suit those insights.”