Advertising agency BBDO works in collaboration with IKEA on the new Couch Counseling campaign. For a limited time, customers in Dubai are able to scan a QR code that is seen on posters in-store with price tags to book an appointment for a consultation.
The company hires actual relationship therapists and counselors to be a part of the program and during these sessions, couples can open up about their problems including finding peace with furniture options. The posters notably pull real quotes that have been heard from couples arguing including "looks great in the study, no it's a game room, no it's a study, no it's a game room" or "made it through the pandemic together but can't make it through the storage department?"
Therapy-Encouraging Furniture Campaigns
BBDO and IKEA Present the Couch Counseling Campaign
Trend Themes
1. Furniture Therapy - The blending of traditional therapy and furniture shopping experiences to provide more holistic customer services opportunities.
2. QR Code Consultations - Providing clients the ease of booking appointments through QR codes instead of making phone calls.
3. Real-time Therapy - The use of on-site counselors and therapists for clients to discuss and vent about their concerns in real-time.
Industry Implications
1. Home Furnishings - Expanding beyond products into customer service innovation opportunities that focus on customers' well-being.
2. Mental Health - Opportunities for mental health professionals to expand their services in retail and customer-driven settings.
3. Advertising - Opportunities to use innovative marketing campaigns like Couch Counseling to provide unique experiences to customers.