Cover image via Illustration by Jet Joson (life according to tita)
Ikea is coming to the Philippines and everyone is hyping over it but what the h*ll is the big deal?
Ikea is a retail genius and a consumer's paradise.
This Swedish brand dates back to 1926 when founder Ingvar Kamprad
started everything in the woods of southern Sweden. Now it is a major retail store to give furniture pleasure in 40 countries around the world.
We have furniture stores here in the Philippines so what's the big deal?
Image via Little Swden
1. Their aesthetics are modern, clean and can be easily decorated
Want an all white space? Buy all white furniture. Want something funky? Buy a neon pink trolley. Whatever floats your boat.
Image via IKEA
2. You'll find everything you need for your home in one place and the store itself is strategically modelled for the consumer-ease
In most IKEA stores across the globe, they would have 2 floors. The 2nd floor is where the designed spaces and layouts are. It's built like a maze. Walking through every layout and leaving a bookshelf or bed unturned.
After you've had a couple of mini heart attacks from the 2nd floor, you may now head to the 1st where all the furnitures and knick knacks are organized in places easily accessible to you.
3. You will find things you haven't even imagine needing and find that buying it will make your life easier
Towels that have ingenius straps to hang on your door? NEED. A shelf that will fit your toilet to hold more items above it? NEED.
4. You can take home your furniture without spending for delivery because they are compacted in a box which will fit in your car
5. They are amazingly witty which makes going there a fun treat
6. Just dont go during Sundays if you want a "relaxing" furniture shopping experience
7. The best part is… everything is affordable!
Side tables retail for Php 300+ and you can get a steel drawer for Php 400+. I once went crazy in IKEA Malaysia buying essentials I needed for the condo complete with hamper, organizers and towels. My bill was Php 800.00. Cuh-ray-zee!
8. Also, Their brand promotes gender equality and supports the LGBT community
In 1994, they were the first company to feature a gay relationship in an adveritsement saying that they are "open to every family." How cool is that?
9. Oh, and their food is amaze-balls, literally!
Don't forget to try their swedish meatballs smothered with gravy (just how Filipinos like it) and their lingon berry juice which is a swedish cranberry drink.
