Swedish furniture retailer Ikea has identified an opportunity to build up to 20 of its Mega shopping centres format...
Swedish furniture retailer Ikea has identified an opportunity to build up to 20 of its Mega shopping centres format in Russia.

Ikea has already opened two Mega malls just outside Moscow with a further five under construction. It also has four standalone stores.

Ikea acts as retailer, investor and developer for the complexes, whichattractinternational tenants, such as Obi, Stockmann and Zara, seeking a foothold in the market. It also sees potential to open additionalstandalonestores alongside the malls in key cities.

Ikea centre manager operations Russia Herman Gewert said: 'In the long term, 15 to 20 [Mega malls] in Russia would probably be phase one. Cities with 500,000 people have huge potential.'

Gewert said Ikea was committed tofostering'atrueretail climate in Russia'. However, he highlighted obstacles, in particular a 'continual struggle with local authorities. It is difficult to get building permits and there are new regulations all the time.'

Ikea has also founded a Mega university to train sales staff and teach 'friendly attitudes and how to sell'.

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