Daijiworld Media Network- Almhult
Almhult, Aug 20: Swedish furniture giant IKEA, which has already invested over Rs 10,500 crore in India since 2018, is preparing for its “second wave” of growth in the country, with a strong emphasis on local sourcing, logistics efficiency, and omni-channel expansion, IKEA India CEO Patrik Antoni said.
Unlike its earlier focus on large-format stores, IKEA now plans to add four to six new customer touchpoints annually—ranging from flagship stores and smaller city-centre outlets to planning studios and digital platforms. Existing large-format stores in Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai, and Bengaluru will soon be joined by new outlets in Noida and Gurugram, as well as smaller urban concepts designed for accessibility.
“The IKEA experience is no longer limited to visiting a big store. Customers today expect convenience through multiple touchpoints—physical and digital—and we are aligning with that expectation,” Antoni explained.
A key pillar of this new strategy is localisation. Currently sourcing about 30% of its products from India, IKEA aims to increase this to 50% by 2030. The company has partnerships with 45 Indian suppliers, many of whom also export globally. It is also setting up a design centre to develop furniture tailored for Indian homes, with emphasis on sustainable, recycled materials and local wood varieties.
Antoni underlined India’s growing role as a sourcing hub that helps the company manage supply chain risks. “As global trade dynamics evolve, localisation and diversification become critical. India’s role in strengthening affordability and resilience is more important than ever,” he said.
On global challenges, Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group, IKEA’s largest franchisee, acknowledged uncertainty due to US tariff policies. “Our supply chain is more regional and local than assumed. While we cannot control tariffs, we are preparing to adapt to the changing trade environment,” he remarked.
Beyond retail, IKEA’s India operations also include a global capability centre, a digital hub, and Ingka Centres’ two shopping malls under construction in Noida and Gurugram, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.