MANY are eagerly anticipating the opening of the IKEA Philippines store, which will be the global home furnishing brand from Sweden’s biggest store to date. Estimated to open by the fourth quarter of the year, IKEA will soon offer to Filipinos its products that have brought affordability, design and comfort to people all around the world.
To get a glimpse of what IKEA Philippines will be about, FrontpagePH.com asked IKEA Philippines’ Marketing and PR Manager Jasmin Cruz via an email interview what Filipinos can expect once the store finally opens its doors to shopping-savvy Pinoys.
Cruz said the IKEA Philippines store employment demographic will be composed of a very diverse mix of nationalities, but majority are Filipinos.
When asked about how different the IKEA Philippines store will be compared to other stores worldwide in terms of product availability, she said product range offerings at the IKEA Philippines store are available globally. “What will differ in the Philippines is how it is presented, to make sure that the range function is presented in such a way that it serves a purpose fit to a Filipino home.”
Also, in terms of store vibe, she said the product range is designed in Sweden but the showroom or presentation will fit the local touch.
As to how the IKEA manufacturing philosophy is in relation to man and the environment, Cruz said that as the retailer, the question on manufacturing practices is best answered by IKEA’s supply team. “However, looking at the sustainability agenda of IKEA, one of which is caring for people and the planet, we always consider the people and the planet in everything we do, not only in manufacturing but also in bringing the range to our customers.”
And when asked how should the word “IKEA” be pronounced, Cruz said there is no right or wrong way of pronouncing it. “Some pronounce it as “ee-ke-yah;” others “ay-ki-yah.” Both are ok.”
In preparation for the opening of the first IKEA store located in Pasay City, IKEA Philippines will also be launching “IKEA Family” on July 7, 2021.
IKEA Family is a home furnishing club with more than 150 million members globally. The club aims to reach, inspire, and support members in creating their dream home. It is open to everyone who wants to make life at home better—from those whose homes are their passion, to those who are just starting out and need a helping hand. Members are treated with special IKEA Family benefits, rewards, experiences, and surprises all year round.
IKEA Philippines will be looking to onboard on that day a record 100,000 IKEA Family members within the first 24 hours of the launch. To achieve this milestone, IKEA is giving all members who register during the first 24 hours a chance to win one out of three IKEA Home makeover packages worth P50,000, which includes an exclusive design consultation with IKEA interior designers.
Winners will be announced via the IKEA Philippines’ official Facebook page on July 10, 2021.
Joining IKEA Family is free and completely digital. To register, visit family.IKEA.com.ph anytime, anywhere using your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Interested members must be at least 21 years old and currently use a valid Philippine mobile number to register. After registering, members will be able to enjoy special prices in-store at IKEA Pasay City, earn reward points in the IKEA online store and get a chance to receive invites to exciting IKEA pre-opening events.
As what the brand promised, shopping at IKEA Philippines will definitely be an experience. The store, located at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City, is about 65,000 square meters (bigger than the Philippine Arena, the largest indoor arena in the world with a 40,000 square-meter footprint), with two floors of the five-floor building serving as the retail space while the rest will be a call center for IKEA’s e-commerce operations and a massive warehouse facility.
For more information about IKEA Family and to see full contest mechanics, visit the IKEA Philippines website, www.IKEA.ph.