Chinese consumers: “IKEA is our home!”
Alia | July 29th, 2012 - 4:20 am
Chinese consumers have long been know to use IKEA stores as large and comfy rest areas with cheap food and air-conditioning. But a recent set of photos widely-shared on Sina Weibo, China’s Twitter-like service, makes things seem a bit…disturbing. Let’s just say that if IKEA wants its customers to feel at home in its spacious blue and yellow stores, its mission is 200% accomplished in China.
Netizen 薇薇诺诺2661317325 shared her experiences at a local IKEA on Sina Weibo. The post now has been reposted more than 32k times.
薇薇诺诺2661317325: “I was so shocked by all the sleeping people on every bed and sofa at IKEA. From 0-years-old to 80, everybody was having such a good time. Even beds without anybody on them showed sizes of recent abuse. It’s [IKEA] like a kindergarten, only that there is no need of a receipt to get your kids back. What a group of smart people! My husband commented: ’[China] has to wait until all of our generation are dead to talk about manners. Sigh~Daughter, you are the future! IKEA, admire your tolerance.”
Netizens’ reactions from Sina Weibo:
美丽8036: “At first sight, I thought it was a shelter for the homeless.”
陈炯-: “IKEA surely knows how to do business in China. This is exactly why IKEA is so successful in China. They don’t care whether you sleep on display beds like at your own home. Just wondering is there anyone following the routine of taking off clothes first and then going to bed…”
司马我意: “You think too much. Such behaviors are very common in foreign countries. No one thinks it’s a reflection of lack of manner. I admit that China is not good in many ways, but this is OK.”
老经理说管理: “Are you sure this is not IKEA Express Hotel?”
伟昭在线: “If this is in Shanghai then it’s understandable. Shanghai people are very mindful about their expenses. This summer is hot. To save electricity bills, they flock to IKEA to take a nap and enjoy the air-conditioning. Shanghai people are truly clever…”
翟Mr钱: “New ad for IKEA: IKEA is your home. No place to sleep? Come to IKEA…”
仕惠雅: “Only big cities have IKEA stores. Why these big city residents have such low qualities?”
原点443322: “I really admire those who slip in comforters and sleep…”
如风—-刀疤小猪: “Currently in China, you are either in flood or in record heat. IKEA definitely has good air conditioners. This is perfect user experience.”
In reply to Joshua:
What’s the point of saying that here? Anyone who knows enough English to read this site knows that already. Your comment will never reach the person you’re replying to, and even if it did it’s probable he won’t understand!
In reply to this being common in other countries. It is unheard of in the USA.
I mean, it makes sense you’d want to try the furniture before purchasing BUT many of these people have no intent to buy. Without the intent you’re abusing the good will of the company.
Someone thinks this story is hao-tastic…
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