In Pics | India's second IKEA store opens in Navi Mumbai

India's second IKEA store opens in Navi Mumbai on Friday. The plant, located on Thane-Belapur road, spans over 5 lakh square ft and houses 7000 pieces of furniture 

The furnishing company aims to cross 100 million customers in India in the next two years. The company aims to open two more stores in Mumbai in 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

IKEA will initially cap the number of visitors to enable social distancing to safeguard its employees and customers against Covid-19. Visitors will have to register through IKEA’s website to gain entry. Credit: AFP Photo

IKEA is capitalizing on the fact that homes have become more important in the Covid era and it will take additional steps to create safe spaces for people in Mumbai, the company said. Credit: AFP Photo

The store will provide employment opportunities to locals through its store in Navi Mumbai, with more than 1,200 workers being onboarded, half of whom will be women. Credit: AFP Photo

The home goods behemoth first tried to enter India in 2006 but was foiled by strict foreign investment rules obliging international firms to partner with local companies. Credit: AFP Photo

A signboard of the new IKEA store is seen in Navi Mumbai, India. Credit: Reuters Photo