Swedish home furnishings company - IKEA - is expected to create 10,000 jobs in Maharashtra as it prepares to launch its second store in Mumbai in 2019.

Rajesh Kumar, principal secretary, Labour Department, Maharashtra government said, As IKEA will launch its store in Mumbai next year, they will create around 10000 direct and indirect job opportunities contributing to the growth of the retail sector in the State. Their idea of inclusion and equality are very much in line with Maharashtra government’s development initiatives.

IKEA expects to create opportunities in merchandising, store operations, supply chain and allied assembly services. The company said that it aims to employ 50 per cent women at all levels.

Commenting on the operational plans, Per Hornell, market manager in Maharashtra, IKEA India said, "Maharashtra is an extremely important market for us. We have been sourcing from the state for many decades and now we are ready to enter the market in 2019 with our full offer to be able to serve all the customers. Mumbai is unique in terms of its lively and diverse culture, entrepreneurial spirit and creative use of space."

IKEA will create 5,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 direct jobs in Maharashtra.

IKEA's first store in India was launched in August in Hyderabad. The company also plans to launch its third store in Bengaluru.

Watch | Inside IKEA Hyderabad store on opening day: Band, baaja, bedlam