There’s just one thing that bothered me about Anko’s TriNoma flagship

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I’d wager the priest tasked with blessing Anko’s new TriNoma store earned his rest that day. As I stood before the brand’s colossal 1,634-square-meter flagship, I lost count of how many Hail Marys he had to recite just to cover every corner.

The Australian home and lifestyle brand has just unveiled its third, and by far its biggest, Philippine branch in Quezon City’s bustling TriNoma Mall. And it’s not just big for the sake of it. Walking through the space feels like a full-on tour of stylish, functional living. Anko has a knack for turning everyday essentials into things you actually want to show off: chic décor, smart storage solutions, quality kitchenware, plush bedding, and adorable finds for kids.

You know that distinct feeling when you enter a store filled with beautifully curated home goods? That subtle, almost magnetic pull? It’s the crisp air, the meticulously arranged displays, the palette of polished neutrals that practically begs to be touched. Now imagine that feeling stretched across a space designed to inspire every corner of your home. That’s exactly what awaits at Anko’s new TriNoma spot.

But what really won me over was the cat stuff. As a proud cat parent, I’m used to feeling slightly overlooked at stores that claim to split the pet aisle equally between dogs and cats, only to offer us feline lovers a tiny corner with limited options. Not here. Anko gets it. Their cat selection is thoughtful, varied, and clearly made with us in mind. For a store built around home living, Anko understands that for many of us, home includes our pets.

You know, it makes you wonder: here in the Philippines, especially with many tightening their belts and the economic climate prompting tough questions, why do brands still push for the biggest, the grandest retail spaces? For Anko, it seems their approach is rooted in understanding both the market and the desire for quality experiences.

TriNoma, for instance, wasn’t just a random pick. For Anko, it was a “natural next step” for their retail expansion. Located in the country’s most populous city, and already a major lifestyle hub, TriNoma’s “high foot traffic, accessibility via major transport links, and wide-reaching appeal” clearly made it an ideal spot to welcome more Filipino families into the Anko experience.

Anko doesn’t position itself as a cheap alternative. Instead, it champions the idea of making “great design accessible to everyone.” The goal? To offer well-made, beautiful, and functional products at everyday low prices, something discerning Filipino shoppers actively seek.

So no, the grand store isn’t just for show. It’s a canvas, one that lets them showcase their most expansive product range and deliver an in-store experience where people can discover trends and test quality firsthand.

One standout feature of Anko’s TriNoma store is its dedicated activation space, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Designed for interactive experiences, this area invites visitors to explore the brand in a more hands-on way. Whether it’s styling products, trying out new items, or joining creative workshops, the space turns a simple shopping trip into something more engaging and personal.

The launch kicked off with a sense of excitement, and throughout opening week, early shoppers can enjoy exclusive offers, especially Anko Club members. The brand has also prepared in-store activities for kids and families, with the “Play & Create” range taking center stage. This indoor-friendly collection includes sensory kits, wooden toys, building blocks, and art supplies — perfect for rainy-day bonding.

The Anko Club app, meanwhile, serves as a digital companion that gives members early access to product drops, styling tips, exclusive events, and even a way to track purchases through digital receipts. More than just a rewards platform, the app is how Anko stays connected to its community, shaping decisions based on real customer feedback.

And as it grows, Anko isn’t leaving sustainability behind. The brand has begun incorporating plant-based and recycled materials into its products and packaging, ensuring responsible sourcing, and gradually shifting to renewable energy where possible.

Anko’s largest store at TriNoma shows how far the brand is willing to go to make good design more accessible to Filipino households, and how seriously it takes the idea of turning everyday shopping into something a little more inspiring.

Everything at the store feels intentional and polished — except the cart, which is inexplicably unwieldy.