Ikea’s largest store opens in Philippines as it eyes expansion in Asia, South America

The two-level 730,000 square foot facility opened with an event attended by Philippine trade secretary Ramon Lopez and foreign minister Teodoro Locsin

The cult-favourite company has more than 460 stores in about 60 markets and is planning to add nearly 60 more locations in Asia and South America this year

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The Ikea store in Pasay City, Manila, is the largest in the world. Photo: Instagram/Ikea Philippines

Published: 6:19pm, 25 Nov 2021Updated: 11:25am, 2 Dec 2021

Ikea opened its biggest store in the world in the Philippines, with the new 730,000 square foot facility in Manila a cornerstone of the home-furnishings giant’s expansion plans in Asia.

Thursday’s opening was feted with an event held at the store’s cafeteria attended by Philippine trade secretary Ramon Lopez and foreign minister Teodoro Locsin, where Ikea’s cult-favourite Swedish meatballs were served to some attendees. They were accompanied for the big day by a special Philippine twist – adobo sauce.

Ikea is sticking to Covid-19 protocols after the store’s opening was delayed amid the pandemic, with an online booking system that’s full for the next two weeks, according to store manager Georg Platzer. Customers have to wear masks and observe distancing.

The spread houses a two-level 270,000 square foot store, dining area and showroom; warehouses; an e-commerce facility; and a call centre. It’s on property leased out by SM Prime Holdings’ Mall of Asia.

Its opening comes as Ikea has expanded its e-commerce presence – which proved timely during the pandemic – with online orders now accounting for 26 per cent of its global sales.

The company, which has more than 460 physical stores in about 60 markets, is planning to add nearly 60 more locations in the current financial year. And it’s not just looking towards Asia: it will take its first step into South America this spring, opening a branch in Santiago, Chile.