Ikea has appointed Meerkats to handle its ad account in Western Australia and South Australia, replacing the incumbent Marketforce.

Meerkats’ first project will be the 2011 IKEA catalogue campaign, which will be launched in September. The appointment is consistent with Ikea's global strategy of working small creative agencies in local markets.

IKEA WA and SA Marketing Manager, Nigel Richardson, said: “Meerkats is a vibrant and creative agency. We think they’re a good cultural fit for IKEA and really understand our brand values and needs.

“The IKEA approach is to always explore new ways of doing things differently and making sure we’re getting the best possible results and value. Achieving better value and efficiencies in our business allows us to pass on the savings to our customers.”

Over the last 12 months, IKEA WA and SA has broadened its use of advertising including working for the first time on a digital campaign with Market United.