The capital city of Santo Domingo is set to become the most coveted shopping destination in the Caribbean. With the implementation of DR-CAFTA, the city is proving to be an attractive location for major international chains. Although the companies have not made any official announcement, sources indicate that construction has begun for the opening of a Swedish home furnishing retailer Ikea store to serve the Caribbean and Central America at a site on John F. Kennedy Avenue. Pier 1 Imports will be the first mega home furnishings international store to open in Santo Domingo. Its location is under construction at a site on Sarasota Avenue, in the Bella Vista neighborhood. The Fort Worth, Texas-based retailer that specializes in imported home furnishings and decor, already operates in Mexico and Puerto Rico. More companies are expected to enter the Dominican market, which is sizeable by Caribbean standards, and at present dynamic, especially in the home furnishings area, in response to the current nationwide real estate boom.