A 1000-seat restaurant offering Swedish delicacies is set to open in Manila as part of the upcoming 2020 Ikea Philippines store launch.
Ikea’s famous Swedish meatballs is on the menu.
The two-floor, 65,000 sq.m store, which will be set up in between SM Mall of Asia Arena and SMX, has been likened by incoming Ikea Philippines store manager George Platzer to “entering the home of a friend.” Similar to other Ikea stores, it will have a market hall as well as designated spaces for packing and handling goods besides the usual showrooms.
Form, function, democratic design, and sustainability are on the list of key features of the products that will be offered, with Platzer saying about the latter: “All our products will help customers save energy, water…and help the environment and lead a more sustainable life.” But perhaps what will be unique to the Philippine branch is that it will be offering home transport devices as part of the group’s solution to Manila traffic constraints like the lack of cars
As of writing, some of these products are already available for viewing via ikea.ph, an e-commerce site—though it’s not possible to make purchases just yet. But when it does finally open, the products are guaranteed to be made instantly available, with the group pushing for the idea of getting to use right away the products you just purchased. Smooth and streamlined delivery will also be prioritized.
As for price points, Ikea Philippines will be no exception to the low-price reputation of the retailing group.
Founded in 1943, Ikea is currently the world’s largest furniture retailer. Based on the company’s research, about 13 percent of the Philippine population is familiar with the brand, making the opening of a flagship store in the Philippines even more significant.