The paper explores how international sourcing in retail operations in the case of IKEA of Sweden have evolved over time. The internationalization process of IKEA has been subject for quite a lot of scholarly attention over the years. In contrast to most other studies on the internationalization process of IKEA, this study has its focus on the development of international sourcing. International retail sourcing development in the case of IKEA is discussed over three themes concerning international retail sourcing development at IKEA; sourcing market development (where?), sourcing scope development (what?), and sourcing strategy development (how?). The paper identifies three distinct characteristics of IKEA’s sourcing operations can be identified. The paper suggests that although IKEA’s overarching goals and characteristics of sourcing operations have been consistent, the sourcing operations have still undergone significant change. The paper also suggests that the scope, the strategy selection and the market development aspects of retail sourcing development are highly interrelated.