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Ikea, the world's largest furniture company, has reported steadily growing sales as China's expanding middle class embraces its flat-pack furniture and minimalist Scandinavian design.
The Swedish company announced sales for the 12 months to the end of August rose 3.6% on last year, boosting revenues to €29bn (£23.2bn).
Getting lost in Ikea's maze-like stores or experiencing the frustrations of assembling a flat-pack chest of drawers are fast becoming global experiences as the company now has 315 stores in 27 countries. It is planning its first outlets in South Korea and India.
China, home to eight of Ikea's 10 largest stores, has become the company's fastest-growing market, as the mass migration into cities helps create a middle class with money to spend.
Ikea said its business had also performed well in North America, where the economic climate had improved.
In Europe, which accounts for almost 70% of Ikea's turnover, sales also improved, although the company said "the challenging situation may not be over", with eurozone economic growth flat and deflationary pressures looming.
"We continue to see positive signs in consumer spending and it's a great joy to report growth in almost all our markets, not least in the challenging markets in southern Europe," said Ikea's chief executive, Peter Agnefjäll.
Ikea also faces economic slowdown in Russia, which has become one of its key developing markets, accounting for 7% of turnover. Consumer spending has slowed sharply amid rising international tension.
Ikea said online shopping and store visits were up, with more information available in its annual report early next year.
"Looking ahead, I see great opportunities for continued growth," said Agnefjäll.
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