Head on over to the
LA Times to read an interesting article on why people from Beijing love Ikea. Do they go there to shop for their modern day needs? Well, not quite. They go there for the experience.
Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:
Every weekend, thousands of looky-loos pour into the massive showroom to use the displays. Some hop into bed, slide under the covers and sneak a nap; others bring cameras and pose with the decor. Families while away the afternoon in the store for no other reason than to enjoy the air conditioning.
Visitors can't seem to resist novelties most Americans take for granted, such as free soda refills and ample seating. They also like the laid-back staffers who don't mind when a child jumps on a couch.
It doesn't hurt either that the understated style is a satisfying departure from, say, the faux French imperial designs favored by the older nouveaux riches and gaudy hotels.
"Our values are changing," said Lizzy Hou, 25, a university graduate who moved to Beijing in May from neighboring Hebei province for a teaching job.
"We want to be modern. I think IKEA stands for a kind of lifestyle. People don't necessarily want to buy it, but they want to at least experience it."
Are there stores or malls you go to for the experience?
Comment by nguyen duong on August 27, 2009 at 2:13pm 
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