Filipinos on Twitter react to IKEA’s forthcoming opening in PH

International furniture store IKEA is set to open in the Philippines, adding to the increasing number of  international brands setting up shop in the country’s shopping centers.

IKEA–which stands for Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd–is owned by 90-year-old Ingvar Kamprad, who established the vanguard company in 1943 when he was 17 years old.

IKEA has 384 branches in nearly 50 countries including Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand in Asia. Reports surfaced a few months ago that IKEA was about to open three branches in Manila anytime soon, but that the cramped spaces and congested traffic in Metro Manila were making the construction of the stores difficult.

Twitter users rejoiced to the “good news,” as they could finally purchase IKEA’s premium products and Swedish meatballs.

https://twitter.com/laphotograpia/status/758163264127791104

https://twitter.com/thenocturnalfey/status/758166371591155714

Sign that you're a true Tita/Tito of Manila: the level of enthusiasm you have upon learning that IKEA is coming to the Philippines.

— Tina Araneta (@tina_araneta) July 27, 2016

https://twitter.com/fattiefatuti/status/758189360634138624

https://twitter.com/amyfjkw/status/758287266506612736

One Twitter user speculated that IKEA would disappoint Manila-based shoppers as it may opt to open in spacious provinces such as Pampanga and Laguna.

Theoretical: IKEA in the Philippines but due to scarcity of open spaces, it will be in Pampanga and Laguna. Are you ok with that?

— Yves Gonzalez (@doblezeta) July 27, 2016

Some users deplored the news on IKEA’s barging into the local furniture industry.

IKEA in the Philippines? This would likely kill our local businesses. :(

— Jaybee Domingo (@jbeedomingo) July 27, 2016

IKEA is opening in the Philippines soon. Just another foreign company coming here selling overpriced mediocre stuff. pic.twitter.com/7ZNfxjLSJW

— MEJ (@meJagerbomb) July 27, 2016

Stay tuned for further details of IKEA’s “grand entrance” into the Philippines.  Gianna Francesca Catolico