MANILA -- Filipino families can now spruce up their homes with stylish and affordable finds as Australia's home and lifestyle brand, Anko, officially opened its first store Thursday at Glorietta 2 in Makati City.

Anko has taken Australia and New Zealand by storm with its on-trend designs and high-quality homeware offered at great value. The brand enters the Philippine market with the same focus on family and creating a haven for loved ones.

Shoppers will find a wide variety of products under one roof, including: Homeware, Storage solutions, Bedding, Beauty products, Fitness gear, Pet essentials and more!

Kmart Group managing director Ian Bailey, Anko Global CEO Arjun Puri, Anko Philippines country manager Rachel Turner, Ayala Land, Inc. senior vice president for Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala, and Ayala Malls COO Paul Birkett all attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“At Anko, our success comes from a simple formula: consistent product quality, exceptional value compared to competitors, and a focus on everyday essentials that truly make a difference for your home,” said Bailey. “As we introduce Anko to the Philippines, we're committed to bringing Filipino families the same affordability and reliability that have made us a household name in Australia and New Zealand.”

Puri echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared values between the Philippines and Australia. "We are thrilled to be in the Philippines, a country that deeply values family and home, just like us,” he said. “Anko’s expansion reflects that shared value by offering high-quality, affordable products that make everyday living better. We look forward to becoming a part of Filipino homes, where families create lasting memories.”

Turner identified the Philippines as a perfect fit for the brand: "The Philippines is a vibrant market with a strong sense of family, just like our home country. With a population of over 100 million compared to our home market of 30 million, where we sell over a billion units annually, we see immense potential here. It's an exciting opportunity to bring Anko's value and quality to even more families."

The store opening showcased an exclusive Christmas bag designed by Filipino artist Jamie Bauza. This festive bag blends Anko's signature style with Filipino artistry, highlighting the brand's commitment to incorporating local flavor into its global offerings.

"Creating this Christmas bag for Anko allowed me to infuse Filipino spirit into a global brand,” said Bauza. “It's a piece that celebrates the Filipino love for family and togetherness, especially during the holidays.”

Further solidifying their commitment to building meaningful connections with Filipino customers, Anko has launched their "Kaya Bagay Tayo" campaign. The campaign emphasizes how their products can perfectly complement any Filipino lifestyle.