However, there are many differences in how drug store retailing operates in the UK and US, differences between UK, European and US health care systems, and differences in how people in these countries shop, in general and specifically for health and beauty.

FORBES: Connect

It could take several years for IKEA to set up its first store, retailing experts say.

WSJ: IKEA Plans $1.9 Billion Investment in India

It's earned through innovation and discipline, the traits experts point to when explaining the meteoric rise of Wal-Mart from country store to controversial retailing behemoth.

FORBES: Wal-Mart Nation