Ikea finally opens a store in India: A look at its 12-year long wait

In 2006, Ikea said it was studying the Indian market and would be here in five years if foreign ownership regulations changed

It’s taken Ikea, the world’s biggest furniture retailer, more than 12 years to open a store in India. Here’s a look back.

June 1, 2006: Ikea says it’s studying the Indian market and would like to be there in five years if foreign ownership regulations change.

April 10, 2008: Ikea says it’s interested in entering India, though local laws allowing only 51 per cent foreign ownership are hampering the company’s plans.

June 11, 2009: Ikea postpones plans to enter the market after talks with the Indian government on foreign direct investments fail.

Jan. 1, 2012: India’s government abandons a rule against foreign single-brand retailers