If you are one of the millions of people who love home shopping at IKEA, then you are in for a treat, mostly if you are based in Singapore. The famous Swedish multinational company is set to welcome 2021 in the Asian country with a bang as they open their third outlet in Jurong Point.
The world's largest furniture retail company made sure they will have an epic comeback as it will open a massive store and an interior design planning studio.
But wait, there's more! IKEA will also offer very affordable build-to-order (BTO) move-in ready packages.
IKEA Planning and Renovation Studio
Located three MRT stations away from the upcoming three-story outlet in JEM mall, the planning studio is built especially for interior design consultancy, planning, and renovation services. The show is powered by Singapore-based interior design and renovation platform, Livspace.
It offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where customers could visualize how their future home would look. The 100-square-meter showroom is modeled after a 3-bedroom HDB (Housing Development Board) flat complete with a living room, dining area, master's bedroom, kids room, kitchen, toilet and bath, storage, and service area.
The model studio is specially designed to address small space living challenges and provides solutions such as smart storage, space-saving furniture, and fitted wardrobe.
Livspace provided a SmartPhoto function where customers can virtually style their room with IKEA furniture according to their style and budget. As customers select items to add to their "virtual room," the price will also be updated in real-time to keep your account on track.
However, customers are not able to physically shop items in the planning studio, but all model furniture comes with a QR code so customers can make an instant purchase on the IKEA website.
Move-in Ready Packages
Aside from the interior design studio and virtual reality function, the new IKEA outlet will also offer affordable BTO move-in packages, including the room renovation, construction services, and IKEA furniture.
The package starts at $7,478 for a 2-room unit and as follows:
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$9,435 (3-room package)
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$11,775 (4-room package)
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$12,530 (5-room package)
Livspace country head Ravindran Shanmugam said that the overall package would typically take four to six weeks to finish. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project completion may take up to eight to 10 weeks.
Why is the package so affordable?
In an interview with Mothership, IKEA and Livspace spokesperson explained that being a major player in the industry, they could get a great deal in terms of vendor management and scale in the supply chain.
"We are able to optimize raw material costs and negotiate better rates for services (example: plumbing, tiling) from a large pool of ready contractors that is primarily dedicated to Livspace."
"Given our collective scale, we have managed to provide an affordable end-to-end home furnishing solution while maintaining high-quality standards."
IKEA also clarified that while the living room and bedroom furniture warranty are up to 10 years and 24 years for kitchen items, the renovation warranty would only last for a year.
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