Ikea store opening canceled in Russia

MOSCOW, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The grand opening of Swedish furniture giant Ikea's new shopping center outside Moscow was called off Friday in a dispute with local authorities.

Hundreds of guests, including the Swedish and German ambassadors, had gathered at the huge center only to see the opening called off at the last minute, the Financial Times of London reported Sunday.

It was unclear why local authorities had stopped the store from opening.

Local officials could not be reached for comment, but the Swedish embassy in Moscow said the problem may stem from the deterioration of the business climate in Russia.