Crate & Barrel in Manila: Price points, top picks

MANILA, Philippines – Before the doors opened to the first customers, many belonging to Crate & Barrel’s numerous staff could be seen arranging the items meticulously, making sure that not a saucer, throw pillow, or beer mug was out of place. 

Far from being another furniture store, it feels like the store is arranged according to one’s needs and mindset instead of being categorized according to type or make. 

So, at Crate & Barrel, a pastry recipe book might be next to a baking pan, the flasks next to a set of glasses, trays, desktop ornaments. It feels natural, in perfect order – and that’s what makes it dangerously easy to pick up a trinket or two, or 10, before you take your leave. 

The first store is located on the 4th floor of SM Mega Fashion Hall – and the store is a doozy, at almost 2,000 square feet. 

There are two entrances – one to the more spacious furniture area, and another the gateway to a large selection of houseware and other types of accessories. 

Take a look:

Those looking for furniture should enter on the other side, where visitors can walk through entire set-ups for sale. Here’s a look:

Crate & Barrel, a formidable addition to the lineup of lifestyle concept stores including Muji, Pottery Barn, Heima, and most recently H&M’s H&M Home, opened its doors to customers formally on November 20. At least two more are on the way in the first quarter of 2015. 

What do you think of the selection? Let us know in the comments below. – Rappler.com