IKEA's store begins its operations in Mumbai, first day witnesses rush of customers

Swedish retailer Ikea on Thursday announced opening of its second store in India, in Navi Mumbai, backed with an investment of Rs1,500 crore. On the first day, today, the entry was limited for selective invitees as customers took a glimpse of the facility which is spread over 5.3 lakh square feet area at Turbhe. For now, limited entries will be allowed through pre-registration online via its website. It has facilitated online shopping with the opening of the facility to avoid rush. The store will remain open from 11 am to 9 pm.With an area equivalent to 10 football fields, the new flagship houses a 1,000-seater restaurant as well as the largest children's section of any Ikea store worldwide and can accommodate up to 10,000 people. 

"It has been beyond our expectations," deputy store manager Preeti Budhraja told AFP, saying customer slots for the next two weeks were already filled. The canteen serves Ikea's signature meatballs but without beef or pork in deference to local religious practice, as well as local favourites such as biryani. With coronavirus cases nearing 10 million in India -- but with economic activity returning to normal -- Ikea plans to open two smaller stores in the financial capital by the end of next year. Earlier, a PTI report claimed that the furniture and home accessories giant has plans to invest Rs 6,000 crore in Maharashtra in the next ten years. "With a planned investment of Rs 6,000 crore by 2030, IKEA aims to meet 25 million people in Maharashtra. IKEA will provide over 6000 jobs, of which 50 per cent will be for women," the company said in a statement earlier.