THE arrival of IKEA Batu Kawan, the first of its stores in the northern region, provides convenient accessibility to many people in the north.
The highly popular Swedish furniture chain brought an extensive range of modern and affordable home furnishings, concepts, plans, ideas, solutions and even food and beverages.
IKEA Batu Kawan is well-designed and is a kind of shopping paradise featuring a mix of functional and providing quality home furnishings at affordable prices.
This big outlet, which is the fourth store in the country, held its grand opening ceremony on March 14, drawing an overwhelming crowd.
Buletin Mutiara media team conducted a survey recently on how the public feels about having the biggest furniture store here at Batu Kawan in Penang. Below are the shoppers’ views.
K. Rama, 75, a retired teacher from Air Itam, Penang.
“I rarely go to supermarkets, unless it is really necessary.
“So, since they just opened a new outlet here, I wanted to get a feel of it. I saw the newspaper’s advertisement on the opening of IKEA. They projected it so well that I could not resist coming here to look around today.
“We should buy things that are necessary for our household, instead of purchasing whatever that comes to mind.
“My opinion of the price range over here (IKEA) is seen from a different perspective.
“The prices depend on the affordability of the shoppers and on the quality of the products as well.
Che Farah Che Roslan (right) and Rodziah Abul Khassim, both are from Penang.
“Our purpose is to shop for some items. Now, we’re addicted to the meatballs – IKEA’s signature food.
“Yeah, we love IKEA home furnishings. And I am a long-time customer of IKEA.
“We had bought many unique home furnishing items before this at the IKEA Cheras store.
“The two-seater cushion I bought at IKEA Cheras has lasted me almost 10 years. This itself speaks for the high quality.
“Now, I shouldn’t worry about driving to Kuala Lumpur just for IKEA since it is here in Penang,” said Rodziah.
“We both came very early today and waited for the store to open. We did not attend the opening ceremony as we knew there would be a big crowd.
“Not forgetting the meatballs, we have already had it before starting our shopping. IKEA is the best.
Lau Yong Keong, 43, from Alma, Penang.
“I have brought my family here to check out the outlet for the first time as we have never been to IKEA before.
“As I know, the store is mainly to purchase home fittings because it has unique, beautiful and furniture with good quality here.”
Nor Adriana Aida Chelah, (blue T-shirt), Nurul Izzati Nizan, who both hail from Kedah.
“As today is our off day, we planned to come to IKEA as it is newly opened.
“We saw many advertisements on social media about the IKEA’s grand opening, but we couldn’t make it on that day.
“To be frank, we are really excited of IKEA opening its first store in the northern region.
“IKEA provides shoppers with interesting plans, ideas and suggestions with regards to home furnishings. That is the part that attracted us.
“Can’t wait to do our shopping, and I’m pretty sure there will be a long queue at the counters as we can see a big crowd already in the morning itself.
“Before we start our shopping, we want to fill our tummies. That’s why we are queueing here to try some food at IKEA cafe. IKEA is unique.”
Noor Hashimah bt Mohamad Nor, 32, Nibong Tebal came with her kid for shopping.
“IKEA is really accessible for Penangites as we can get many things under one roof.
“I always look at the quality of a product before buying it. I believe that IKEA is the best to shop for home furnishings with good quality.
“Happy and really excited with the arrival of IKEA to Penang.
“The mini room furniture items to decorate our kids’ room also looks nice with affordable price.
“Even IKEA gives ideas or tips on how to keep our home or rooms in a beautiful way. The way they decorate the bedroom sets is attractive.
Marzuki Mastar, 74, Bayan Lepas
“It was very crowded with visitors last week, so my wife and I choose to come today (Monday).
“Previously, I had been to IKEA in Kuala Lumpur.
“But, having IKEA in Penang, it will be easy for my family to go to Batu Kawan to get home furnishings.
“For me, with the presence of IKEA in this Bandar Cassia, it will bring an abundance of economic and investment opportunities to Penang.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud & Ahmad Adil Muhamad