Is Ikea ‘The Disney World of China’?

Travel Blog  •  Eva Holland  •  08.25.09 | 5:03 PM ET

Photo by Ian Muttoo via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Gawker is inexplicably bemused by an L.A. Times article about the Beijing Ikea, where—apparently this is a shock—locals go “just to hang out.” What, New Yorkers don’t like to lounge on the dining room sets with no intentions of buying? And here I thought that was something people worldwide could agree on.

Tags: Global Village, Shopping, Asia, China, Beijing, Shrinking Planet

Eva Holland is co-editor of World Hum. She is a former associate editor at Up Here and Up Here Business magazines, and a contributor to Vela. She's based in Canada's Yukon territory.


2 Comments for Is Ikea ‘The Disney World of China’?

Best Tourist Destination 08.25.09 | 11:02 PM ET

If its part of their culture then there’s nothing we can do about it, if im not mistaken Scandinavia also have this one. Correct me of im wrong

Diana 08.26.09 | 12:36 AM ET

It’s so true. I was also amazed when I moved to Beijing. They don’t just hang out at the Ikea, they nap on the bed, couches, futons for hours; bring tea and newspapers and pumpkin seeds and snack in the “kitchens”; and basically just spend a weekend there like Americans would at their in-laws’ house. On one hand, it’s a testament to how comfortable Ikea furniture is. On the other hand, maybe Beijing is just lacking in entertainment options.

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