IKEA to open in PH? Netizens react

MANILA – Many Filipinos took to social media to share their thoughts about the Swedish furniture retailer IKEA following a report that it will soon open here in the country.

IKEA, known for its big blue and yellow building that sells ready-to-assemble furniture and Swedish meatballs, will finally open in the Philippines, news website Inquirer.net reported on Wednesday.

IKEA’s current Asia Pacific locations include Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The company also has several branches in Europe, North America, Middle East, North Africa and the Caribbean, according to its website.

(READ: How Swedish giant IKEA plans to conquer Asia)

Reacting to the news, several netizens expressed their excitement over the idea of IKEA furniture being readily available in the country.

Ive the best news for Titas (and Titos):

IKEA TO OPEN SOON IN THE PHILIPPINES!

Kung natuwa ka, confirmed tita ka.

— g3 san diego (@g3cafe) July 27, 2016

It's official: IKEA is opening in the Philippines. pic.twitter.com/StZSVBLZyQ

— Alessandra Guballa (@laphotograpia) July 27, 2016

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

IKEA in the Philippines got me giddy.

Definitely, am now a tita.

— N (@macronikki) July 27, 2016

This IKEA Philippines news ought to drive my mom crazy

— Patti (@fattiefatuti) July 27, 2016

IKEA TO OPEN SOON IN THE PHILIPPINES! Thank you, furniture gods!

— Marge Manabat (@margemanabat) July 27, 2016

They say IKEA is coming to Philippines. I AM SO THRILLED! Bookcases bookcases!!! pic.twitter.com/4iBo1H8beD

— Erika E. Solaris (@thenocturnalfey) July 27, 2016

Others, however, were not as pleased. Some netizens said they are worried that IKEA, with its relatively cheap products, will kill local businesses.

(READ: Why not everyone is happy with IKEA's first store in Korea)

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

— Jaybee Domingo (@iamjbeedomingo) July 27, 2016

Why people are excited about IKEA coming to the Philippines? No one gets excited when SM Our Home opens smh 😒

— Paulo Rubio (@paupable) July 27, 2016

Ikea opening in the Philippines is both good and bad. :(:

— nikki yo (@nix222) July 27, 2016

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

— Me-J Madayag (@meJagerbomb) July 27, 2016

Lawyer Yves Gonzalez, who used to work for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, for his part wondered where the country’s first IKEA store will be located.

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