Old MacDonald had a farm.....IKEA - E - I - E- O

These days, the bigger the corporate entity, the more it seems to be trying to balance off its default image of ruthless global exploiter via a parnership with its opposite extreme – preferably some sort of grassroots community project with all the right eco-sensitive and socially correct values that are assumed to be lacking in said corporate entity.

One needs look no further than Walmart’s well publicized embrace of organic food for a model of this marketing strategy in play, and for an example closer to home, let’s take IKEA.

Who could have more international brand recognition than this Scandinavian-based, household furnishings giant? And in our neck of the woods, who is their new, best, little buddy? Why it’s the Coquitlam Farmer’s Market.

Yup, starting July 5th, on every Wednesday from3 to 7 p.m., IKEA's thunderdome sized parking lot will play host to a second version of the community market that features scrumptious baked goods, hand made crafts, fresh BC produce and plenty of bluegrass music.

The partnership is the first of its kind in the Lower Mainland.

“We are extremely pleased to be involved with IKEA for our Wednesday market’, said Terri Evans, Chair, Coquitlam Farmers Market. “This is a great example of business bringing business to one another, and giving customers a wider, more unique shopping experience. We look forward to the many possibilities our partnership with IKEA will bring.�

From IKEA’s perspective, this market supports its philosophy of providing a fun day out for the many. “IKEA Coquitlam is pleased to support a community-gathering event that promotes fresh foods and healthy living!� said Mick Lim, Marketing & PR Specialist for IKEA Coquitlam.

We'll be interested to see who the new downtown Costco will invite to dance the mutual needs two-step, but if they are looking for a small, earnest, locally-fed publication ....