Comments on: A Friend’s Closet…

By: Marketman

Marketman — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:29:31 +0000

TheLux, in Hong Kong, where this space is bigger than the average bedroom, it qualifies as luxurious, in my opinion. Not screaming gaudy like a Versace print on shirts I used to see so sought after by the nouveau riche in Jakarta in the 1990’s, but luxurious in that not many folks in Hong Kong would be able to have such a space…

By: TheLux

TheLux — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 07:25:17 +0000

Maybe it’s just me… but it doesnt look luxurious at all. Well organized, yes. Luxurious? Nah.

By: Ana

Ana — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 02:36:36 +0000

I very much agree on your opinion on the absence of competition and variety on the market and the complicated ways opening business in the Philippines. I notice the same problem in the neighbor country Saipan where many businesses are closed. We know it is not because there is no market but due to corrupt and bureaucratic practices that makes potential investors to opt for more welcoming countries. Hope that there will be IKEA and Home Depot inspired Filipino businesses soon. The ideas (by IKEA & co) are really very practical and innovative, but some are mere revivals remarketed with a modern twist but produced and sourced from Asia.

By: Marketman

Marketman — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:42:42 +0000

Ana Moring Busch, I think IKEA would be great in Manila. Retail laws and conditions in the Philippines are less than totally conducive to real competition and many NON-LAW conditions like supply lines, customs, etc. must all play a big role in a company’s decision to set up locally. IKEA owns all their stores (they don’t sell franchises or take partners I think) so they must not think local conditions are good enough to enter… which says a lot in their absence as they have managed to do rather well in neighboring countries including Indonesia, where there are some similar concerns.

Personally, I think Filipinos shoot ourselves in the foot more often than not. When you figure out the ridiculous freight and shipping costs, the customs/handling costs, the local transport inefficiencies, the myriad of taxes and regulations, etc. then butt heads against oligopolies or monopolies… it’s a wonder anyone wants to really do business here, if they want to do it on a straighter and narrower path…

I rail on this a bit as I once did a study of the retail industry here, and it is more than curious that there are no international drugstore chains operating here (Watson’s is brought in by SM), there are no real competitors in the bookstore business, there is a lack of competition in the grocery sector (in my opinion), home depot style stores, etc… :(

By: Ana Moring Busch

Ana Moring Busch — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:17:59 +0000

Hi Marketman, one look i knew that the walking closet is from IKEA, a Swedish furniture company (https://www.ikea.com/us) IKEA also has a branch in HK. It is really inspiring to visit their showroom, they have catalogues as well for Kitchen, Living Room and home accessories. Sayang it has yet to open a branch in Manila (maybe due to competition with SM?)

By: consol

consol — Sun, 29 May 2011 06:47:59 +0000

‘Wouldn’t want old “bacony” like garter straps anywhere near visible.’ Hahahaha!!!

I love your way with words, dear MM.

Organized closets = Utopia

By: tintin

tintin — Sat, 28 May 2011 08:21:34 +0000

Totally in awe! Very organized…
I am with the Teen… thinking how long will it take for me to have such impressive “collection”.. kahit 1/4 lang… hahaha

By: lily

lily — Fri, 27 May 2011 06:29:37 +0000

love it..wish i cud have one too..

By: moni

moni — Thu, 26 May 2011 08:16:41 +0000

My son’s condo unit is also now being renovated and we had to discard many things that, I as mother, has hoarded for him. Can you imagine, stacks of towels and linens and stuff bought in Costco, which I had to let go. To make it easy to simplify, my son bought balikbayan boxes and dumped there all the stuff that he declared he didn’t need and presented them to me. I had three options: give away, put in the condo building’s refuse room, and bring some to the province.

By: ariel nievera

ariel nievera — Thu, 26 May 2011 07:44:10 +0000

Costco offers a service in the U.S. for a custom built walk in(about 3k). It’s a lot nicer than what is posted here. There are cheaper options at Home Depot or Lowes. There are also custom cabinets on the web, you measure the space, pick a design and then you install yourself. Installing is easy, you just mark and align. Then install with screws using an electric drill. For throwing stuff, have 3 balikbayan boxes labeled (keep) (may keep) (give away)…then sort … then rethink the pile may keep or demote them to the shed.