PH company eyes partnership with Dutch retail giant Ikea

Local firm Blims Fine Furniture is hoping to bag a partnership with the world’s biggest furniture retailer Inter Ikea Systems B.V. (Ikea), which is reportedly eyeing potential opportunities for expansion here in the Philippines.

Samie Lim, president of Blims Fine Furniture, explained that they have already submitted a letter to Ikea, expressing their keen interest for either a partnership, joint venture or a franchising deal with the Dutch retailer.

“They are coming. We’re now trying to get through them through mutual friends who can bring us to [Ikea’s] attention,” Lim revealed.

A new subsidiary may be put up should Blims Fine Furniture be chosen as Ikea’s partner in the Philippines, he noted, adding that he is aware that other companies may make a similar bid to this “very powerful brand.”

According to Lim, the products of Ikea can cater to the furniture needs of the mid-market segment as it offers comparatively affordable furniture.

Based on data from its website, Ikea Systems BV was established in 1983 in the Netherlands, when it started to document and develop the Ikea retail system.

Inter Ikea Systems is the owner of the Ikea Concept and the worldwide Ikea franchisor.

It is also a company within the franchise division of the Inter Ikea Group.

With 338 stores across the globe, Ikea provides low-priced products that allow it to serve more customers, rather than sell expensive home furnishings.

BLIMS Fine Furniture meanwhile claims to be a store that continues to “set the trends” over the past 30 years, taking pride in “revolutionizing the furniture industry by offering many firsts.”

According to its website, these developments include the launch of ready-to-use (RTU) and ready-to-deliver (RTD) furniture concept, which is now an industry standard in convenience and practicality.

It plans to hold a series of annual exhibits supported by extensive advertising campaigns. It also hopes to put up a complete one-stop center for ergonomic office furniture and furnishings, aptly called “Office World.”

Meanwhile, Lim further revealed that the company, with its 25 stores across the country, hopes to house several of the best and “interesting” brands of furniture from Europe and the United States under its roof, similar to the concept of Automatic Centre, a leading retailer of high-end gadgets and appliances in the country.

But he declined to reveal the brands the company plans to bring in.