The long wait is over: IKEA opens store in Pasay City

Whenever Filipinos go abroad, whether in Europe, Asia, the US or in North America, a visit to an IKEA store is always part of the itinerary.

Most Filipinos just can’t resist the IKEA experience. It is, after all, where you’ll find the most unique, charming and cozy ensemble of all things homey—that and so much more.

There is always something for everyone—mom, dad, brother, sister or the new baby in the family. If you’re a lone wolf, you’ll find whatever it is you need to make your “man cave” or your “she shed” the perfect hideaway.

And whether you live in a sprawling mansion or tiny house, IKEA can help you liven up your space and make it truly a home you always want to come home to.

Indeed, in IKEA, you’re sure to find something that can make your homemaking experience even better, whether you’re renovating your home or you simply want to put some additional touches.

It’s no surprise that Filipinos got all giddy and excited when rumors surfaced years ago that IKEA would come to the Philippines.

And they did. The long wait is finally over.

Filipinos need not travel abroad to enjoy that IKEA shopping experience.

Today, Nov. 25, the Swedish furniture maker opens the biggest IKEA store in the world at the mall of Asia complex in Pasay, its first branch in the country.

“It has been a challenging couple of years, but we are proud that even through a pandemic, we are now ready to build a better everyday life with the many people in the Philippines,” said Georg Platzer, IKEA Pasay City store manager.

What to expect

IKEA Philippines is a sprawling store with a size of 68,000 square meters, equivalent to 150 basketball courts. Imagine that.

There will be a total of 8,000 products, with around 500 products priced just below P100.

From beds, to linen, to kitchenware, to bathroom finds to containers, to other curio stuff, there’s really something for everyone in IKEA.

Platzer has assured IKEA lovers that IKEA Philippines has enough stock to cater to the needs of customers ahead of the yuletide season.

“We have stocked up as much as we could. Second is we have very reliable partners to do the last mile fulfillment for logistic companies to help us transport the goods to people’s homes in exactly the conditions that we want and as fast as possible,” he said.

In between shopping, visitors can stop by the IKEA restaurant, which can accommodate up to 850 people—subject to strict COVID-19 protocols.

In the restaurant, customers are in for a Swedish gastronomic adventure including vegetarian and vegan products like meatballs, hot dogs, and ice cream.

A rich heritage and long history

IKEA Philippines becomes part of IKEA’s 78-year-old success story, a long history and rich heritage of reaching the hearts and homes of people all over the world.

The origins of IKEA date back to 1943 when Ingvar Kamprad, a 17-year-old Swedish boy, founded IKEA. Initially, he sold mundane household items such as pens, wallets and picture frames.

Småland, the landscape where Ingvar grew up, was stony and rugged. Back then, many of the inhabitants had to get by with small means, making as much as possible with next to nothing.

The IKEA way: Innovative, no nonsense

Because of this, Smålanders are said to be thrifty and innovative, with a “no-nonsense” approach to everyday problem solving.

This heritage is one explanation to the IKEA way of doing things and to its success.

Kamprad wanted to offer good products at affordable prices.

“Why are beautiful products only made for a few buyers? It must be possible to offer good design and function at low prices,” Kamprad said.

In 1948, Kamprad began selling inexpensive furniture, and the new merchandise proved to be so popular that in 1951 IKEA began to offer only home furnishings, according to Britannica.

“In 1958, the first IKEA retail outlet opened. Ikea stores followed, first in several countries in western Europe and later in other regions,” it also said.

Over the next 50 years, more than 400 IKEA stores opened around the world, with a vibrant blue and yellow roof.

As of the end of August 2020, there were a total of 445 IKEA stores worldwide. In 2013, IKEA operated 345 stores around the world

Democratic design

Its success may be attributed to IKEA’s design principle, which is basically to provide a design for everyone while making sure that the products have the following design characteristics: form, by making sure every piece is beautiful; function or how much better a product can make things work at home; quality or ensuring that things last for a long time; sustainability by ensuring that its products have minimal impact on the environment; and low price to make sure the products are affordable to people.

“At IKEA, we believe in making things better. Not only by improving individual products but also by enabling a better world. That means making products that are more than just beautiful but innovative in how they work, able to withstand daily use and are sustainably produced and affordable for everyone,” IKEA said.

Thus, the idea of the democratic design was born.

“We call it democratic design because we believe good home furnishings are for everyone. It’s the gateway to better products that create better homes. And through better homes, the IKEA vision and business idea come to life."

With IKEA now in the Philippines, Filipinos can enjoy that IKEA experience and create lasting memories, while making or re-making their homes.

To know more, visit www.ikea.com.