Net profit at the privately-held Swedish firm, known the world over for low-price, self-assembly, flat-packed furniture, rose 10.3 percent to 2.97 billion euros ($3.8 billion) in the year to last August.

Revenue grew 6.9 percent to a record 25.17 billion euros, with existing stores accounting for 2.7 percent of sales growth.

"We have gained market share in more or less all markets," IKEA Chief Executive Mikael Ohlsson said.

"Despite price increases for many raw materials, we have lowered prices to our customers by 2.6 percent, while the quality of our products has improved."

Soren Hansen, vice president for the group, said sales grew in almost all countries with the biggest gains seen in Russia, China and Poland.

In 2009/10, net profit was up 6 percent to 2.69 billion euros, while revenue was up 8 percent to a record 23.5 billion with existing stores accounting for 2.4 percent of sales growth.

IKEA plans to invest 3 billion euros in stores, factories and retail centers, as well as in the expansion of its wind farms and solar power sources this year.

The firm, owned by a foundation led by founder Ingvar Kamprad, opened 7 new stores in the year, fewer than the 12 stores it opened in 2009/10. As of the end of August 2011, IKEA had 287 stores in 26 countries and 131,000 employees.

Furniture retailers have been among the hardest hit store groups as cash-strapped shoppers have cut back on discretionary areas of spending. Disposable incomes across much of Europe and the United States are being squeezed by rising prices, muted wages growth and government austerity measures.

IKEA says it is relatively uncyclical since its budget furniture and home accessories attract more cost-conscious consumers in tough times. ($1 = 0.7757 euros)

(Reporting by Mia Shanley, Editing by Mark Potter)

• A Permanent Economic Emergency