**Ikea Expands Presence in North India with New Store and E-Commerce Launch**
New Delhi: Swedish furniture giant Ikea is set to enhance its footprint in northern India with the introduction of a small-format store in the Delhi-NCR region in the coming months. Additionally, the company will initiate e-commerce operations in Delhi and surrounding areas starting March 1. This move is part of Ikea’s comprehensive expansion strategy in India, which encompasses online sales, the establishment of both large and small retail outlets, and entry into new markets.
In 2021, Ingka Group, Ikea’s parent company, revealed plans to develop two shopping malls, each featuring an Ikea store—one located in Gurgaon and the other in Noida. On March 1, Ikea will begin online deliveries to various cities including Delhi-NCR, Agra, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ludhiana, and Varanasi. To facilitate this growth, the company has launched a 180,000 sq ft central distribution center in Gurgaon in collaboration with logistics partner Rhenus. This center will support the retailer’s e-commerce expansion and the forthcoming large-format stores in the Delhi-NCR area.
Susanne Pulverer, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ikea India, stated, “We have invested significantly in our logistics setup to fulfill orders in both Delhi-NCR and the nine key cities where we will launch online services. We are also exploring various formats for Delhi, creating a comprehensive omni-channel retail experience.” She emphasized that Delhi is a top priority for the company, highlighting its status as the largest home furnishings market.
Currently, over 30% of Ikea’s sales in India are generated through its online platform. Internal studies indicate that northern India represents the largest market for home furnishings, with cities like Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon witnessing substantial real estate development, leading to increased demand for home furnishings.
Ikea made its entry into the Indian market in 2018 with the launch of its first large-format store in Hyderabad. The company now operates three large-format stores and one small-format store in India. After establishing its presence over the past eight years, Ikea is preparing to unveil plans for its next phase of expansion in the country.
“When we entered the market, we committed to an investment of ₹10,500 crore. With this investment, we are also advancing two major projects in Gurgaon and Noida. These projects are well underway, and we are now looking at a new phase of investment and expansion,” Pulverer added.
In addition to Ikea stores, Ingka Group is developing two large mixed-use shopping centers in the Delhi-NCR region, each anchored by an Ikea store. The Noida center is expected to open by 2028 with a planned investment of ₹5,500 crore, while the Gurgaon center is anticipated to open next year, with an estimated investment of €400 million (approximately ₹3,500 crore).
