CHECK IT OUT: Your Insider Guide to Shopping the Philippines' First IKEA

The long wait is over: The Philippines' first IKEA is officially opening its doors on November 25. Finally, you can get your fill of stylish yet super affordable Swedish furniture—no passport needed—at the biggest IKEA in the world located at the MOA Square within the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Sure, the online store has been selling strong since it launched early in November, but there's nothing like a physical store (that feels like an amusement park) for a family shopping adventure.

Best news first: IKEA Pasay City is very much like those abroad, including the prices. Most are very reasonable for the design and Swedish-made quality, backed by a 10- to 25-year guarantee (!).

Photo by Marc Go

Before you go, though, make sure to read through our insider guide so you can make the most out of your IKEA experience. (Bookmark this page so you don’t forget!)

PRE-GAME

1. Book your slot at ikea.ph/booking. It's easy, quick, and required for social distancing and everyone’s safety. No booking, no shopping. Slots start at 10 a.m., with the last at 8:30 p.m. to give you ample browsing time. You can also check out these videos for shopping tips and info on the nearest parking areas and where the main entrance is (up on the Bridgeway, not on the ground floor).

2. Take time to explore ikea.com/ph for a warm-up. The site is fun, pretty and super helpful to maximize your shopping time! 

• Make an initial list of items to check out in-store, categorized by section. This is going to be super helpful because the actual store sections are huge, so it will take a lot of time and effort to go back if you forget anything. 
• Check out the site’s Planning tools for different areas of the house—they’re very useful!
• Sign up for the free IKEA Family discounts and rewards.
  
  Hot Tip: Don’t forget to measure your space before you go. Some useful info: room sizes in square meters, door height/width measurements, ceiling heights, and bed sizes. (FYI: IKEA's four mattress sizes are slightly wider than most Asian single, double, queen, and king-size beds). Make a list and bring pics on your phone for reference. 

 
GAME DAY

1. Don’t be late! In fact, it’s best to come early for your slot, as there might be a line. That said, wear comfy shoes. If you plan to avail of IKEA's free Planning Studio designer consultation, see a customer service officer to book your slot. You can also sign up for IKEA Family discounts if you haven't done so yet. 

2. Once you're in, start at the Showroom (4/F). Here, you can ooh and aah over items displayed in stylish, inspiring "Pinoy-sized" rooms, like an 8-sqm kitchen and a 35-sqm studio. IKEA caters to businesses and SMEs, too, so there are also gorgeous setups for cafès, nail salons, and boutiques.

   Hot tip: See something you like? Snap a pic of its name and price tag to easily find it later.

   Images from Ikea website

3. Ready to pick and choose? Head down to the Market Hall (3/F). Grab a cart or a giant shopping bag—you’ll definitely need it. Here, you can try out chairs, bounce on beds, squeeze pillows, and custom-order chairs or closets. At the info kiosks, you can inquire about financing and arrange for next-day delivery (9% of total price).

   Hot tips: Look for the red walls highlighting the best bargains. Don’t miss the Kids section, which has great stuff even for your most single friends. In Textiles, the Sewing services counter offers very reasonable services for seat covers, etc. You can even have a simple tote bag sewn! 

4. The best deals are in two sections. Find them at the Market Hall's "Everything Under P100" filled with irresistible things; and the Circular Hub (also on the 3/F). Similar to IKEA stores in other countries, the Hub gives "seconds" or returned items a new life and sells them at a discount, already assembled but without warranty. Stop by before you check out!

   Photo by Rocelle Aragon
   
   

5.  Getting tired? Kids cranky? Take a quick break at one of the four eating areas (some coming soon). Have a seat, order a drink, and go over your list of items. Did you forget anything? Now is also the time for one of the few offline-only IKEA thrills: the food! The Swedish meatballs are a steal at P159 for a filling plate, and also come in plant-based, veggie, and spaghetti versions. 

   Hot tip: There’s refillable P35 coffee and tea at the main restaurant! 
   

6. Head for checkout. If you're assembling your purchases (to save money and because it’s part of the IKEA experience), grab a flatbed cart and pick the boxed, flat-packed versions in the Self-service area. After checkout, grab a hotdog or soft serve ice cream and take-home food items at the Swedish Food Market just outside the counters.
   

   Hot tip: Keep your receipt. You have 365 days to change your mind! 

   Check out out some of the steals and deals that caught our eye:

TUNNIS Wall Clock, P290

RISATORP Wire Basket, P390

SESAMFRON Plant Mister, P190

FLISAT Children’s Desk, P4,990

HULTARP Rail, P290

LERBERG Shelf Unit, P990

BEGAVNING Glass Dome with base, P390

JAKOBSBYN Pendant Lamp Shade, P990

LACK Coffee Table, P490

BYGGLEK 201-piece Lego Brick Set, P1,390

See you soon for the first of many IKEA Philippines visits! If you time it right you can head over to SM by the Bay or S’Maison for a glorious sunset to end your perfect day. 

For the latest updates on IKEA, bookmark www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on social media.