IKEA is the world’s largest supplier of home furnishings; it's a household name around the globe. A fifth of British babies are conceived atop the Swedish giant's mattresses and IKEA’s world domination won’t stop there. It's got big plans, and amongst the biggest is engaging the Indian market.

Public transport may be a more sustainable way to travel, but between its unreliability and heavy traffic, young urban Indians entering the job market are avoiding it for commutes. But with car prices soaring too, a market has opened up for car-sharing services.

When it comes to splashing their cash, nothing does it for India’s Gen Y like fashion. The rise of global brands is fuelling fanaticism for labels like Zara and Forever 21. But what’s behind the spending spree – heady consumerism pure and simple, or a new brand of self-expression?

As taxes go up in Japan, consumers are developing a new taste for the old. As a result, the flea market is jumping. But not as per tradition; now the concept has shrunk to fit your pocket. The second-hand marketplace app Mercari is attracting smartphone shoppers, could it overtake eBay?