IKEA ramps up Mexico launch plans

IKEA is scouting Mexico’s biggest cities for its first store locations in the country, the furniture retailer said, as it expands in Latin America to battle growing competition in its core U.S. and European markets.

The Swedish chain known for modern and inexpensive designs is looking at sites in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, the company’s local franchisee said.

“We’re looking at the biggest cities in Mexico, with those three being the most important,” said Antonia Banuelos-Leon, country marketing manager for IKEA Mexico, in an interview on Monday. “We’re also looking at the country as a whole”, Reuters reports.